Experts say that the most common locations for bullying include playgrounds, the cafeteria, bathrooms, and hallways.
So to prevent bullying from happening, stand in the hallways during breaks in classes to keep an eye on students.
During one such break when I was teaching high school, I was standing in the doorway watching the students in the hallway. I noticed two students who started circling each other, kind of like animals do when they are about to fight.
I remembered in a staff meeting the school police officer mentioning that students don’t really want to fight but they also don’t want to back down. So, as teachers, we need to become the reason they don’t fight. That way students can walk away and “save face” in front of their friends.
Since he had recently mentioned this, I was happy to be their excuse. I walked over to the students with a huge smile on my face and “naively” asked, “Hey fellas, is there anything I can help you with?” They both said, “No” and quickly walked away from each other in opposite directions. It was just that easy!
Standing in the hallways and being near the students during break times will likely prevent bullying without you even realizing it.