The Peace Playbook: Working as a Team to Create a Bully Free Classroom

It’s that time of year again! Crisp mornings and earlier sunsets signal more than just the end of summer. They also mean back-to-school shopping, homework help, and the start of fall sports. 


In many ways, school is like a team sport. You have players and supportive leaders who work together to create a culture of learning, growth, and success. But just like in sports, not every player follows the rules of good conduct. In fact, bullying, whether verbal, physical, relational, or cyber, can throw off the entire game. 


Unfortunately, bullying remains a concern in schools. According to Stopbullying.gov, 26.3% of middle school students have reported incidents of bullying, while about 16% of high school students and 10% of elementary school students have reported. This only tells part of the story, as only about half of bully cases are reported. 


Like any strong team, school communities need a good game plan to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. Think of the following as a playbook, of sorts. A Peace Playbook that outlines how each player and stakeholder can work together to achieve a “bully-free” school.


Stakeholders

Coaches: Parents, Caretakers, Teachers, Aides, School Support Staff

Team Managers: School Counselors and Resource Officers

Team Owners: School Administration and District Leadership


If a child is showing bully behavior:

  • Hold them accountable for their actions and provide appropriate consequences. 

  • Explore underlying causes (intolerance, emotions, impulse control, social issues, lack of problem solving skills, etc). 

  • Help them develop skills to lead in a positive way.

  • Get help from the school counselor or a therapist.

  • When ready, guide them in authentically repairing harm.


If a child is the target of a bully:

  • Reassure them that it is not their fault.

  • Acknowledge and validate emotions. 

  • Create a plan together (including an assertive script, support systems...).

  • Remind them that forgiveness is a choice. They can choose to forgive, to set boundaries, or both. What matters is that they do what feels right.

  • If you are the parent or caretaker, avoid contacting the other parents directly. Instead, reach out to the school. Keep a record of communications. 


All Stakeholders should:

  • Use age-appropriate books, movies, and media to spark conversation.

  • Ask questions, listen, and validate feelings. 

  • Know the district and schoolwide bully prevention program.

  • Be consistent and aligned in bully prevention messages and procedures. 

  • Work proactively, monitor, and intervene as needed. 

  • Communicate with each other and check in with their players, often.


Players

Offense: The Bully 

Defense: The Target

Sideline Players: Peers (Upstanders, Bystanders, Cheerers and Jeerers)


All Players should…

  • Understand what bullying is and is not. 

  • Know how to respond to bullying, report it, and support peers who have been bullied. 

  • Understand and follow schoolwide bully prevention rules and expectations.

  • Identify trusted adults that they can go to if they experience or witness bullying.

  • Trust that the adults at home and school will protect them. 

Creating a bully-free school, like any team effort, takes cohesiveness, awareness, and action. When everyone comes together, schools can create a community where everyone wins! 


 


References

Daley, S. F., Waseem, M., & Nickerson, A. B. (2023, December 13). Identifying and addressing bullying. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved August 25, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441930/

StopBullying.gov. (2024, October 9). Facts About Bullying. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved August 25, 2025, from https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/facts

Kat McGrady