Bullying in Early Childhood Education

Wednesday 17th October

Early childhood education in New Zealand follows the curriculum ‘Te Whariki’. Te wharikis goals are focused on the strands of communication, belonging, well-being, contribution and exploration.

Bullying particularly relates to the strands of wellbeing and belonging. In early childhood education we aim for children to experience an environment where:

·      “Their health is promoted”

·      “Their emotional wellbeing is nurtured”

·      “They are kept safe from harm”

·      “They know they have a place”

·      “They know the boundaries and limits of acceptable behavior”

(Ministry of Education, 1996)

Bullying puts these goals in jeopardy and are often not able to be reached if bullying is occurring.

 The early years of life are very crucial for development. They are seen as the most important phase of development over the lifespan. Brain development in the early years of life is highly influenced by the young childs environment. “90% of brain growth takes place in the first five years of life” (time website).

Children bullied, neglected and traumatised at those crucial development stages will have trouble to feel love and empathy later on in life.

As early childhood teachers we are able to make a difference. Teaching children at this crucial developmental stage of life means that we have the opportunity to set children up for later in life.  It is our role to prevent bullying. This can be done by teaching children empathy from a young age and teaching children individualized social skill training. In order to encourage empathy, teachers should discipline but not punish, give empathetic examples and surround the children in a caring and loving environment.