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Bullying extends beyond school walls, appearing in after-school programs, recreational activities, and online environments. Given the diverse settings and forms bullying can take, it’s vital for adults to recognize and respond effectively. This guide offers actionable steps to address bullying in out-of-school time (OST) settings, fostering safe and supportive spaces for all children.

Understanding Bullying in OST Settings

Bullying involves repeated, intentional behaviors that exploit a real or perceived power imbalance, often based on age, size, or social status. In OST programs, the informal structure can lead to unique bullying behaviors, such as excluding others during group games, physical actions like pushing or tripping, stealing belongings, spreading rumors, or teasing during unstructured moments.

A young child sits alone, appearing withdrawn, against a wall in an OST setting.

Signs a Child May Be Bullied

Early detection of bullying is key to intervention. Look for these indicators that a child may be experiencing bullying:

Sudden avoidance of social activities or group interactions.
Unexplained bruises, cuts, or other injuries.
Frequent complaints of physical discomfort, like headaches or stomachaches.
Decline in self-esteem or confidence.
Increased anxiety or quiet behavior.
Reluctance to participate in favorite OST programs or activities.
Outbursts, rule-breaking, or blaming others, which may reflect redirected frustration.

Caregivers and staff must stay vigilant and address these signs proactively to maintain a safe, inclusive environment.

Managing Bullying in After-School Programs

After-school programs often involve mixed-age groups, increasing the risk of older children bullying younger ones due to power imbalances. Bullying may occur during transitions, free play, or unstructured activities. Staff can prevent and address bullying by closely monitoring these moments, empowering bystanders to intervene, and establishing a clear anti-bullying code of conduct.

Example 1: Promoting Respectful Interactions

You notice that Mia, usually outgoing, has become withdrawn during a summer program. When you check in with her, she shares that Liam has been teasing her, calling her “cringe” and a “buzzkill” when she asks him to stop. Mia tries to brush it off, but the teasing persists.

Suggestion:

Children often mimic phrases or behaviors from online content, thinking they’re harmless or funny, without realizing their impact. Reassure Mia that she doesn’t deserve to be teased and that standing up for herself is courageous. Continue to check in with her to ensure she feels supported and the situation improves.

Speak with Liam about how online slang can hurt others in real-life settings. Explain that kindness builds stronger friendships than teasing. Clarify that terms like “cringe” may seem funny online but can be hurtful to peers. Encourage empathy by asking Liam how he’d feel if someone teased him, helping him understand the impact of his actions.

A staff member talks with a child about bullying in a supportive, one-on-one conversation.

Example 2: Fostering Inclusion Across Ages

You observe that a group of older children consistently exclude younger ones from games, mocking them as “too young” or “not cool enough.”

Suggestion:

Engage the older children in a conversation about their memories of being younger and wanting to join older peers. Highlight their opportunity to be positive role models for younger children. Explain that including others and sharing skills is a sign of maturity and leadership, far more impressive than exclusionary behavior.

Strategies for Bullying Prevention

Supervise transitions and unstructured time: Monitor moments like activity changes or free play where bullying is more likely to occur.
Empower bystanders: Encourage children to speak up or seek help when they witness bullying, fostering a culture of support.
Create a code of conduct: Develop clear rules against bullying, emphasizing respect and inclusion, and share them with children and families.
Train staff: Provide training on recognizing and addressing bullying, including how to mediate conflicts and promote empathy.
Engage families: Communicate with parents about bullying incidents and collaborate on strategies to support all children involved.

By fostering empathy, maintaining vigilance, and implementing clear policies, OST programs can create environments where bullying is addressed promptly and all children feel safe and valued.