Social Skills Spotlight

Social Skill Spotlight

Here at school we have been focusing on an important social skill that can make a big difference in how our students interact with each other and handle challenges: the difference between dobbing and needing to tell an adult. This is a key aspect of helping our students develop into responsible, independent problem-solvers who can manage conflicts and challenges effectively.

We define dobbing, generally as referring to reporting minor issues or everyday disagreements to an adult with the intention of getting someone in trouble. This often involves situations where the problem is something the students could handle themselves, like a friend not sharing or a minor argument. While it's natural for children to want to seek help, dobbing can sometimes prevent them from learning how to resolve conflicts on their own.

When is it Important to Tell an Adult?

On the other hand, telling an adult is crucial when a situation goes beyond minor issues and involves safety or well-being. This includes scenarios where someone might be in danger, is being hurt, or if the problem is too big for the students to handle on their own. For example, if someone is being bullied, if there is a serious disagreement that escalates, or if a student feels unsafe, it's important to involve an adult.

Encouraging Problem-Solving and Self-Advocacy

One of our goals is to help students learn how to handle smaller issues independently, giving them the chance to practice problem-solving and self-advocacy skills. Here are a few strategies we currently encouraging at school and hope you can support at home:

1. Encourage Communication: Teach your child to use “I” statements to express their feelings. For example, “I feel upset when you don’t share because I wanted to play with that toy too.” This helps children voice their concerns respectfully.

2. Promote Empathy: Help your child understand the perspective of others. Discuss how different people might feel in various situations, which can foster a sense of empathy and patience.

3. Model Problem-Solving: Show your child how to work through issues by discussing conflicts or challenges you might face and how you resolve them. Demonstrating calm, thoughtful responses can provide a strong example.

4. Role-Play Scenarios: Practice common scenarios with your child, such as how to ask a peer to play or how to handle a disagreement. Role-playing helps children rehearse their responses and feel more confident.

5. Recognise Efforts: Praise your child when they try to solve problems on their own, even if the outcome isn’t perfect. This reinforces their efforts and builds their confidence.

Working Together for Success

We believe that by working together, we can support our students in developing these crucial life skills. Encouraging your child to try and solve problems independently before seeking adult intervention helps them build resilience and learn valuable coping strategies.

We appreciate your support in reinforcing these lessons at home. By fostering an environment where children feel confident to address minor issues on their own and know when to seek help for serious concerns, we are preparing them for a future where they can navigate challenges effectively and responsibly.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students’ growth and development.