Bullying is a tough issue, but it can be resolved positively. This wasn’t something I learned in a classroom. Like most things in life, I had to figure it out through experience. I’ve observed that people often make two mistakes when handling bullying:
- They ignore it.
- They react emotionally and jump to conclusions without fully understanding the situation.
Here is how we handle bullying at DIG:
1. Ignoring Bullying Makes Things Worse
First, we encourage open communication from both kids and parents. We want them to feel comfortable coming to us with anything that might be bothering them. Unfortunately, many organizations simply ignore bullying situations. There are various reasons this happens: perhaps they’re worried about litigation, they dismiss complaints as the exaggerations of “crazy” parents or overly sensitive kids, or they just don’t want to deal with it.
Ignoring a bullying situation allows small misunderstandings to grow into bigger problems. If we don’t intervene early, what could have been a minor issue escalates, and the risk of emotional or psychological harm increases. On the flip side, if the situation is addressed early, there’s a good chance that both parties can resolve things amicably—maybe even becoming friends in the process.
Over the years, I’ve often reminded our DIG coaches: “Every bad situation is a chance to show our customers that we care.”
Addressing bullying early shows kids and parents that we are paying attention and that we value their well-being.
2. Don’t Rush to Judgement—Gather Information First
It is normal to want to immediately confront the bully and “solve” the issue with strength and authority. But, I’ve learned to take a more measured approach. The key is to slow down and gather all the facts before acting.
Here’s how DIG approaches it:
- Step 1: Ensure the Child’s Safety
Our first priority is to make sure the child who is being bullied is safe. - Step 2: Gather Information
Before confronting anyone, we take the time to talk to witnesses and coaches involved in the situation. It’s important to get a full picture before making any conclusions. - Step 3: Approach the Alleged Bully Calmly
Next, we speak to the accused bully and their parents in a calm, non-confrontational way. We ask questions and listen carefully. Many times, what seemed like bullying is simply a misunderstanding. Other times, the child might have acted impulsively but feels regretful after the fact.
At DIG, we focus on the fact that kids are still learning how to navigate the world around them. They’re not inherently “mean” or “bad.” They might have made an innocent mistake or been influenced by others in ways they don’t fully understand. It’s important to treat each person with patience and to guide them toward better behavior through education and empathy.
- Step 4: Find a Solution Together
After gathering all the necessary information, we try to bring the kids together and help them work out a resolution. DIG’s goal is to help them understand each other and take responsibility for their actions in a way that leads to growth.
Conclusion: A Culture of Care and Understanding
At DIG, when bullying happens, it is an opportunity to show that we care and are willing to invest time and energy into resolving issues in a fair, thoughtful, and educational way.
We don’t shy away from these situations. Instead, we embrace them as moments to teach empathy, responsibility, and conflict resolution. It takes time and effort, but the results—stronger relationships, a more supportive community, and a deeper trust in our organization—are worth it.