Withdrawn and isolated victims Need the opportunity to be involved in special confidence building programmes. Have difficulty integrating with their peer group. The consequences of a failure to do that can be very profound. It focuses on seeking the support of the peer group to solve the bullying problem. The method of Shared Concern targets the bully as an individual to accept responsibility before bringing everyone together in a group, including the victim.
Some pupils find it difficult to leave behind aggressive ways of relating to other pupils.
The aggression may have been so reinforced that an ongoing programme aimed at developing prosocial skills is necessary. Consider involving Youth and Families Services, Specialist Education Services or other appropriate agency. In cases of physical assault, involve your local police. Peer programmes Peer mediation programmes have been successful in encouraging young people to seek help when they are in a conflict situation. Everyone accepts they have the right to be free from harassment and that they have the responsibility to support their weaker and more vulnerable peers.