Scottish teachers do action research. Canadian teachers facilitate student conferences and non-hierarchic activities such as committees. However, when a leader changes schools or becomes burned out a program may be at risk. In fact, exposure to violent media and electronic types of information or games is a relatively new and powerful dynamic. Thus, there is less tolerance of disruptive behaviour but more exposure to extreme examples.
Public awareness provides impetus for change and mobilization of community resources.
Organizations such as the Alberta Teachers Association have provided good leadership. However, many issues such as reporting responsibilities and interagency cooperation are only beginning to be addressed. The classroom more be one of the most safe places in school and in society for some children. Both boys and girls resort to verbal harassment as they mature. Teachers need to reflect about how traces of these behaviours might be inadvertently modeled in those who become educators.