More than 60 school bus drivers in Farmington took on the role of students on Thursday morning as they learned new tactics to prevent bullying.
Managers from Hartford Hospital Rushford Center educated bus drivers on the types of bullying that exist, the warning signs and how to intervene.
One of the most common warning signs drivers will see is a student who no longer wants to get on the bus and go to school. Other warning signs include social exclusion and name calling.
"This is so that we can all support young people, where we can have conversations before things erupt into mean-spirited or bullying behaviors," Sheryl Sprague, manager of Prevention and Wellness at the Rushford Center, said.
School bus drivers are being encouraged to intervene immediately if they observe bullying; remove privileges, such as seating a child away from friends on the bus; and reporting the behavior to their supervisors and school district.
"The training these days is great, it is what we are doing today. They are making people aware, giving you opportunities to voice your opinion and get other training that is involved with it," Jeff Whelan, a bus driver, said.
Drivers are also encouraged to set the tone on the bus as a safe place.
Local
"We also ask them to set a tone of welcoming and expectation, where that if other students notice something, they will feel free to go to the bus driver and say I have noticed this," Sprague said.
Parents are also encouraged to talk with their children about bullying, tell them to involve adults and be inclusive.
