Sunday, May 15, 2016

The Effect of Zero Tolerance Policies on Bullying

The Effect of Zero Tolerance Policies On Bullying


The intent of zero tolerance policies is to deter, prevent, and punish students who engage in inappropriate behavior.  The term originated during the drug epidemic period of the late 1980's.  Extreme acts of school violence began to emerge during the twentieth century and continued to increase throughout the ensuing years.   The April 20, 1999 Columbine shooting shocked the nation and pushed school leaders to develop a response to school violence and other issues.   Implementation of zero tolerance policies were intended to create safer school environments for all students including those   experiencing intimidation, harassment, or bullying.   Profile information about the Columbine perpetrators indicated these students felt bullied, isolated, and sought revenge against classmates and the school.  While zero tolerance policies levy strict and unwavering punishment to violators, the policies were designed to promote positive school culture and reduce and restrict inappropriate behavior.   

The Free Dictionary entry defines zero tolerance as a law, policy, or practices that proscribed offense or behavior without making exceptions for extenuating circumstances   (www.thefreedictionary.com/zero+tolerance).   One key aspect of zero tolerance is the lack of exceptions based on individual situations or circumstances.   Occasionally, there is a case where the inappropriate behavior is mistaken as intentional and malicious.  For example, punishment such as suspension or expulsion for possession of a weapon might be the likely consequence when a   student is found to be in possession a small paring knife accidentally left in his lunch by a busy parent.  Even though a parent might acknowledge contributing to this issue, because of zero tolerance policies the student would receive a punishment. 

Zero tolerance does not allow school officials to employ logical, measured responses to situations that have extenuating circumstances and facts.  Unwavering policy regulations’ regarding discipline for school incidents reduces the right of school administrators and teachers to make individual decisions to specific problems.  Victims of bullying sometimes strike back against the bully after becoming overwhelmed by the repeated intimidation and victimization.  Using zero tolerance policies, a teacher must report the bully and victim to school administration.
Bullying behavior often goes unreported and undetected. Unfortunately, for a child who is bullied, zero tolerance may be ineffective and even work against him.  If a victim of bullying strikes back against the bully, he too can be punished.  School administrators and teachers should be encouraged to use a common sense approach to discipline rather than implementing policies, which punish, suspend, or expel a student without exception.  It is important to prevent, identify, and respond to bullying behavior.  Unchecked bullying has the potential to create negative consequences for bullies, their victims, and the entire school community.   

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