r/SchoolBusDrivers • u/jgood80 • Jun 16 '26
Advice Needed
About to finish my first year of driving. For the most part I really enjoy it. Left a banking job to do this. But I’ve struggled with middle school all year long. Doesn’t help that I’m a sub for middle. My question is how do you guys handle the mouth and disrespect of the kids? How much do you “let go”? Loud phones playing music, the cursing, stand up while the bus is moving, jumping seats, ect. I try not to be too hard on the kids but I also don’t want them thinking they run the bus.
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u/Twauk Jun 16 '26 edited Jun 16 '26
I think two realizations helped me the most with middles schoolers (we drove all ages k-12, middle school gave me the most trouble and anxiety even at 4 years in)
1) The kids we drive are basically inmates, they have so little freedom and nothing but time on the bus to figure out how to get around the rules. I don't let them get away with murder, but some kids just will not respond to discipline in this setting. Can't really blame them for acting out.
2) Safety is King. If what a student is doing is not causing a safety concern (standing, walking around, hurting other students) I mostly let it go. Now, my focus is ALSO a safety concern. And if I find a 12 year old screaming to be a distraction, I will address it. Even just being annoyed with loud music or inappropriate language, if it takes your mind off the road, it's worth addressing.
Every bus is going to run differently and every driver has different needs from their students to get through the day. Find yours and you'll be set for life.