The Anti-Bullying Alliance have developed a way of thinking about responses to bullying via a 'social model' approach.
Key principles for a 'social model' approach to bullying incidents:
- The development of the strategy is person-centred
- SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound) outcomes are established
- The child or young person is a part of the setting, not apart from the setting (i.e. not being separated in classes or in the playground)
- Any training needs for parents and professionals have been met
- Diversity is welcome and the child or young person is included
- The school/setting has evolved and changed as a result of the bullying
- And, most importantly, responses are not primarily about changing the behaviour of the child or young person who has been bullied
What is the social model of disability?
ABA's social model checklist for schools is borne out of the social model of disability.
A description of the social model of disability outlines it as:
The social model of disability says that disability is caused by the way society is organised, rather than by a person’s impairment or difference. It looks at ways of removing barriers that restrict life choices for disabled people. When barriers are removed, disabled people can be independent and equal in society, with choice and control over their own lives. Disabled people developed the social model of disability because the traditional medical model did not explain their personal experience of disability or help to develop more inclusive ways of living. [1]
You can find out lots more about the social model of disability and access many resources to support you to deliver information about it in schools via World of Inclusion.