5 Ways School Bus Drivers, Can Help Stop Bullying on the Bus
We've seen the videos. We've watched YouTube footage of a clique of middle schoolers viciously taunting a bus monitor. Another showing a group of teens teasing a girl until she cries.
According to the 2013 Student Safety Report issued by Awareity, 44 percent of students say they have witnessed or experienced bullying on the school bus. The statistics are high but, sadly, not surprising.
Some districts are seeking ways to make the ride to and from school safer. The Montrose School District in Montrose, CO, is leading the way with its “No Bus for Bullies” program. The zero tolerance policy gives bus drivers more power by allowing them to be proactive instead of reactive. When an issue arises, drivers are to follow five steps:
As part of the JML Incorporate, Bus Service family, the transportation administrators and drivers for the Montrose School District are committed to providing a safe and reliable journey to and from school each day. Some First Student bus sites began using audio equipment on buses earlier this year as another way of deterring bullying and other student disturbances.
A 2010 study by the National Education Association revealed that school bus drivers were 36 percent more likely to hear reports of bullying from students and parents than other education support professions. Combine this with the fact that 92 percent of bus drivers feel that it is “their job” to intervene in bullying situations and it only makes sense for the drivers to become the first line of defense.
Carmen Hays, a First Student location manager, developed the program to help her staff focus on making the school bus a safe place where students do not feel threatened and actually enjoy their time on the bus every day. With the full support of her staff, Hays kicked off the program.
Other districts are taking notice. Since the program’s launch, other school districts have expressed interest in adopting the program, including Pueblo City Schools in Pueblo, CO. The staff at the Montrose School District hopes the success of the program in their district motivates school districts across the country to implement the program and to help even more students feel safe on the bus.
According to the 2013 Student Safety Report issued by Awareity, 44 percent of students say they have witnessed or experienced bullying on the school bus. The statistics are high but, sadly, not surprising.
Some districts are seeking ways to make the ride to and from school safer. The Montrose School District in Montrose, CO, is leading the way with its “No Bus for Bullies” program. The zero tolerance policy gives bus drivers more power by allowing them to be proactive instead of reactive. When an issue arises, drivers are to follow five steps:
- Stop – When a serious issue arises, the driver pulls over to the nearest safe area and stops the bus. Drivers will use discretion and consider the safety of the location when determining if and when to stop.
- Listen – The driver gives the student his or her full attention, listens to the problem, and repeats the issue to the student.
- Respond – The driver tells the student that he or she will handle the situation, investigate the incident, and follow protocol.
- Report – The driver documents the incident, describing the events in detail on a bully incident report. Documentation may also include video or witness statements.
- Follow Through - The location manager, in partnership with the school administration, then completes the investigation and implements discipline measures. Students with multiple offenses can lose their riding privileges permanently.
As part of the JML Incorporate, Bus Service family, the transportation administrators and drivers for the Montrose School District are committed to providing a safe and reliable journey to and from school each day. Some First Student bus sites began using audio equipment on buses earlier this year as another way of deterring bullying and other student disturbances.
A 2010 study by the National Education Association revealed that school bus drivers were 36 percent more likely to hear reports of bullying from students and parents than other education support professions. Combine this with the fact that 92 percent of bus drivers feel that it is “their job” to intervene in bullying situations and it only makes sense for the drivers to become the first line of defense.
Carmen Hays, a First Student location manager, developed the program to help her staff focus on making the school bus a safe place where students do not feel threatened and actually enjoy their time on the bus every day. With the full support of her staff, Hays kicked off the program.
Other districts are taking notice. Since the program’s launch, other school districts have expressed interest in adopting the program, including Pueblo City Schools in Pueblo, CO. The staff at the Montrose School District hopes the success of the program in their district motivates school districts across the country to implement the program and to help even more students feel safe on the bus.
