Characteristics
At step 3 of the ladder, a normalization of norm-breaking behavior has developed. This may involve:
- Children and young people who do not follow fixed structures and routines.
- Unwanted language in the group.
- A group that takes care of itself and does as they please.
- Children or adolescents who ignore corrections and/or guidance from adults.
- Children or young people who disrupt, destroy or commit vandalism.
- "Meat"
- Weak rule management from adults.
When normalization of norm-breaking behavior occurs, a new normal standard has been established for what one can and cannot allow oneself to do. The group of children and young people has taken control and created their own standard.
As a sign that normalization of norm-breaking behavior has occurred, we can hear older children and adolescents legitimizing behavior to which adults respond by saying, “You don’t understand, that’s how we are with each other, it’s okay” or “That’s how we do it, everyone is in on it.” When this happens, adults have lost their position as guides of norms.
Normalization of norm-breaking behavior tends to affect people differently. When children and young people "meat" with each other through derogatory descriptions, slapping each other or hiding each other's things, it tends to affect some more than others. For some who are exposed, it is no longer play and messing around. It is serious and meant as serious. Here, bullying behavior is hidden through legitimization that this is normal behavior towards all peers.
When normalization of norm-breaking behavior occurs, something happens to the quality of the community. Something happens to the experience of safety, belonging, predictability, variety and diversity, and meaning. Something has happened to the norms for what is allowed to be said and done to each other.
The kindergarten/school must fulfill its obligations, and create measures that contribute to the group being safe and good for everyone, and establishing itself at steps 1 and 2 again.
If no action is taken at step 3, the path to step 4 is short.
Risk factors
Tools and measures
- Activity plan
- The risk analysis (created by Ann Tone)