How National Trails School Bus Drivers Safely Mitigate Student Behaviors

The role of the school bus driver exceeds simply operating the large, yellow road vessel.

School bus drivers are the main semblance of authority and represent the standard of safety for all passengers aboard their bus; being the bestower of positivity, confidence, honor, and praise to their student passengers. Alternatively, school bus drivers are also the mediator, diffuser, and counselor on the bus.

But how do school bus drivers handle student behaviors and keep the peace on the bus?

Managing Student Behaviors on the School Bus

Being the first face they see in the morning, and the last face they see before going home; school bus drivers set the tone for each student’s day. Managing student behavior on the school bus begins with the demeanor of the driver. Students are more likely to behave well and respect authority when the authority figure poses as a positive role model.

How School Bus Drivers Set the Tone of Authority

• Assigned seating
• Establish rules and treat all students equally
• Constructing a Safe Space for Students
• Praise good behavior

Assigned Seating

Like in the classroom, assigned seating on a school bus plays a crucial role in helping the bus driver maintain authority and a peaceful environment among student passengers. Here’s why:

1. Enhanced Discipline and Order

When students know they have assigned seats, it reduces the likelihood of disputes or arguments over seating preferences. This pre-established order eliminates the chaos that can occur when students rush to claim seats, allowing the driver to focus on safely operating the bus rather than managing conflicts.

2. Consistent Monitoring

Assigned seating allows the driver to become familiar with each student’s location, making it easier to monitor behavior consistently. If a problem arises, the driver can quickly identify the students involved and address the situation directly. This consistency helps the driver maintain a tone of authority, as students understand that their actions are being observed and will be addressed if necessary.

3. Fostering a Sense of Security

When students have assigned seats, they know what to expect each day, which contributes to a sense of security and routine. This predictable environment encourages students to settle in more quickly and behave appropriately, reducing overall noise and distractions on the bus. A quieter, more controlled environment naturally reinforces the driver’s authority.

4. Minimizing Behavioral Issues

By strategically assigning seats, the driver can separate students who may be prone to disruptive behavior when seated together. This proactive approach helps prevent potential conflicts before they arise, maintaining a peaceful atmosphere on the bus. Students who might otherwise challenge authority are less likely to do so when they are seated away from peers who encourage such behavior.

5. Facilitating Communication and Relationship Building

Assigned seating enables the driver to better learn students’ names and personalities, fostering positive relationships. When students feel recognized and respected by the driver, they are more likely to respond positively to the driver’s authority and adhere to the rules. This mutual respect contributes to a more harmonious environment on the bus.

6. Improved Safety

In the event of an emergency, knowing where each student is seated allows the driver to quickly and efficiently account for all passengers. This ability to maintain control and ensure safety further reinforces the driver’s authoritative role, reassuring both students and parents that the bus is a secure place.

In summary, assigned seating on a school bus helps the driver maintain a tone of authority and peace by promoting order, enhancing monitoring, reducing behavioral issues, and fostering a safe, respectful environment.

Establish Rules & Treat All Students Equally

Establishing a set of rules and treating all students equally is essential for school bus drivers to maintain a safe transportation environment. Clear, consistent rules provide students with clear expectations for behavior, reducing confusion and minimizing the likelihood of misconduct. 

When all students are treated equally, it fosters a sense of fairness and respect, making them more likely to follow the rules. This consistency in enforcement helps the driver maintain authority and ensures that safety is prioritized for everyone on board, creating a secure and orderly atmosphere on the bus.

Constructing a Safe Space for Students

School bus drivers create a safe space for student passengers by implementing the following strategies:

1. Establishing Consistent Rules and Expectations
2. Monitoring and Addressing Behavior Proactively
3. Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere

Drivers actively monitor student behavior during the ride and address any issues immediately. This proactive approach prevents small problems from escalating and ensures that all students feel secure and respected on the bus.

Drivers set and enforce clear, consistent rules regarding behavior on the bus. By establishing these guidelines, students know what is expected, which helps maintain a safe and orderly environment.

Drivers foster a positive environment by greeting students warmly and treating everyone with fairness and respect. This inclusive atmosphere encourages students to behave well and helps them feel comfortable and safe throughout their journey.

Praise Good Behavior

School bus drivers can reinforce positive student behavior without showing favoritism by consistently acknowledging good behavior across all students. This can be done through simple, equal recognition like verbal praise or a collective reward system where all students can earn incentives for following the rules. 

By focusing on behaviors rather than individuals, drivers ensure that recognition is fair and unbiased, which prevents any perception of favoritism and avoids creating friction among students. This approach promotes a positive and respectful environment on the bus.

What If Students Begin Fighting on the School Bus?

A school bus driver’s focus is to navigate the road safely, but it’s important that they use their interior mirrors to monitor student behavior along the journey. The golden standard is always providing a positive environment for student transportation; however, sometimes kids get heated and their emotions take over, resulting in a fight. 

What is the bus driver supposed to do if students begin to fight on the bus?

Diffusing a Fight on the School Bus

When a school bus driver needs to diffuse a fight amongst students, these are the intervention procedures that the driver must follow:

Intervention Procedures for Conflicts on the School Bus

• Consider the policies and procedures of the State or School District
• Assess the situation
• If the bus has an attendant, can the situation be handled safely by the Bus Attendant? 
• If there is no Bus Attendant;
• Is the vehicle in motion?
• Where is the fight taking place?
• Are there other students on board?
• Find a safe place to pull over
• Remove the key from the ignition and keep it on their person
• Remain calm and authoritative
• Use a firm tone of voice to get the student’s attention, calling them by name
• If the students do not respond, use other distraction techniques such as a loud clap
• If the fight becomes physical and does not subside with distraction techniques
• Do not use physical force to separate students
• If necessary, evacuate the uninvolved students from the bus
• Call Dispatch and if directed, Emergency Services
• If the physical safety of one or more students is in jeopardy, follow the policies and procedures of the School District
• When the fight subsides, use the appropriate corrective action
• Use plain, concise language that the students will understand
• Remind the students of the behavior that is expected of them
• Separate the students, and move them to a seat closer to the driver
• Call dispatch, notifying them of the behavioral incident & action taken
• Fill out appropriate paperwork with the school to document the behavioral incident
• Work with School District and Dispatch personnel to enforce consequences for students who break the rules

National Trails School Bus Driver Education: Safely Mitigating Student Behaviors

At National Trails, our school bus drivers receive conflict resolution training through Wayne RESA.

“Wayne RESA is a regional educational service agency that offers a wide range of services and support to the 33 school districts and 97 public school academies in Wayne County. We provide personalized support that is essential to improving student achievement and advancing educational outcomes throughout Wayne County. Our comprehensive range of services includes professional development for educators, purchasing services, administrative support for school districts, and much more.” - resa.net

With the training and support of Wayne RESA, our National Trails school bus drivers receive education on mitigating student behaviors, including Positive Behavior Support (PBIS). The 3-Tiered Model of Behavioral Interventions and Support helps create a safe space for students as they ride to-and-from school.

How do you think that matters of student behavior on the school bus can be mitigated safely?

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