{"id":12435,"date":"2022-05-11T10:55:02","date_gmt":"2022-05-11T00:55:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/explorecareers.emotedigital.com.au\/?p=12435"},"modified":"2022-05-11T10:58:13","modified_gmt":"2022-05-11T00:58:13","slug":"how-to-successfully-navigate-conflict-at-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/how-to-successfully-navigate-conflict-at-school\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Successfully Navigate Conflict at School"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019ll let you in on a (not so) big secret: conflict happens.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yup. At home, in the workplace, at the gym – and at school.<\/em> Nowhere is safe!<\/p>\n

We\u2019re kidding, but knowing that conflict is a part of life is only one puzzle piece. Understanding how to handle and navigate these scenarios when they arise is a vital life skill.<\/p>\n

Not all conflict is bad, and not all conflict has to end with a fight, severed relationships or bad feelings.<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s getting heated during a sports game on the oval, annoyed with someone being loud in the classroom, or someone taking your favourite pen without asking; no matter how big, small, silly or essential – here are a few tips on how to handle conflict like a pro.<\/p>\n

5 Tips for Successfully Navigate Conflict at School<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Before we dive in, it\u2019s worth knowing that different things work for different people. So while you read through this list, it\u2019s okay to think, \u2018I would never do that!\u2019.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s more important is that you think about the things you would and can do to help you better navigate conflict.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s dive in:<\/p>\n

1. Before you react, hit PAUSE!<\/strong><\/h5>\n

It\u2019s easy to get heated in the moment over silly things, especially if you\u2019ve had one of those days where nothing seems to go right.<\/p>\n

So many things influence our mood on any given day, and our mood will usually dictate how we respond in the moment. Something that wouldn\u2019t get to us on any other day might feel huge on a day when we\u2019ve forgotten breakfast, had a row with a parent and got a poor score on a test.<\/p>\n

So, whether it\u2019s you reacting to a situation or another person – hit PAUSE – give yourself a moment to level up your awareness on why this might be getting to you right now.<\/p>\n

2. Ask yourself: How big is this problem really<\/em>?<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Following on from hitting pause, ask yourself how big is this problem or situation really? And is my reaction to it proportionate?<\/p>\n

Flying off the handle and screaming because someone accidentally knocked into you or a friend is way out of proportion for the scenario. Consider what would be appropriate, and that\u2019s the point you start from.<\/p>\n

MANAGING CONFLICT ACTIVITY:<\/strong> This is an excellent exercise to think about before facing conflict. Think of all the scenarios that might cause conflict or trigger you in school. Write down what an out of proportion reaction and what an appropriate one would look like. This can help you respond better in the moment.<\/p>\n

3. Set clear boundaries and expectations.<\/strong><\/h5>\n

If someone attempts to start a conflict with you, be very clear in how you will or won\u2019t engage with them. It\u2019s totally okay to set firm boundaries and act on them if someone continually violates them.<\/p>\n

To set a boundary, first, think about how you want to be treated – what you are prepared to put up with and what you are not – and then the alternative to that behaviour. Also, think about what you want to happen or will do if they keep breaking your boundary.<\/p>\n

For example, if someone keeps raising their voice and becoming physical with you anytime there\u2019s a hint of conflict, try telling them, \u2018I want to resolve this with you, but I won\u2019t tolerate being shouted at or hit. You can go and take your frustration out in the gym and come back and talk to me calmly when you\u2019re ready. If you can\u2019t do this, I don\u2019t want to hang out with you anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

MANAGING CONFLICT ACTIVITY:<\/strong> Think about the best ways you want to be treated by your peers and others around you – what does that look like, sound like, feel like? How can you communicate this to others in positive ways before<\/em> conflict arises? Write down your ideas and share them with the people close to you.<\/p>\n

4. Walk away when you need to.<\/strong><\/h5>\n

It can be the hardest thing to do when conflict arises, and you feel wronged, unheard or misunderstood somehow – or worse when someone is actively trying to get you worked up! But it can also be one of the most important ways to manage conflict.<\/p>\n

Walking away isn\u2019t about weakness or \u2018losing\u2019 – it\u2019s about putting into practice all the tips above, knowing that sometimes conflict isn\u2019t worth the drama and energy.<\/p>\n

5. Seek help and support.<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Conflicts can take over your mental energy and sense of wellness if you let it drag on for too long. We often think we have to manage everything ourselves, but if you\u2019re continually worrying about a particular situation or experience, reach out to those who can help.<\/p>\n

Whether your friends, teachers, parents or school counsellors – they\u2019re all there to help. Even just talking through it aloud with a neutral party can help you figure out how you might resolve things.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t suffer in silence; make sure you reach out, no matter what.<\/p>\n

Some Helpful Resources<\/strong><\/h4>\n

To help you learn more about managing conflict, now or in the future, we\u2019ve compiled a few handy resources:<\/p>\n