There is a wealth of information and educational resources available to educate school administrators on types of bullying, how to prevent or discourage bullying and how to equip teachers and students to deal appropriately with bullying situations. Some anti-bullying information is available in hard-copy school administrator publications and through online resources. The school district may offer access to video presentations, conferences and workshops as professional development for principals.
Principals should work to educate teachers and parents on the impact of bullying on individuals and on the culture of the school. Also, principals should equip teachers with the confidence and knowledge to serve as advocates for students who may be a victim of bullying. Principals should provide faculty and staff with the professional development that may be needed to educate them on referring students who are victims and how to recognize even subtle bullying.
Principals should take the lead in educating students on the physical presence, actions and words of a bully. Some students may think bullying only refers to overt physical interactions and may not realize there are other forms of bullying. For instance, habitually refusing access to a student's locker or lunch chair can be considered bullying. If uneducated, students may accept bullying actions and comments, until these actions become deeply ingrained in the school culture.
Principals have an obligation enforce a no tolerance policy. This obligation is mandated by school law or policy, depending upon the state. Some states even have laws that include cyber-bullying, the practice of using technology to torment others. For instance, cyber-bullying can include using social media to ridicule or harass another student. It's the principal's responsibility to take the appropriate disciplinary action as dictated by the state, local school district and school.