Archive for May, 2010
A recent article on bullying emphasized the importance of knowing just what bullying really is! Sounds simple, doesn’t it?
“Bullying is the repeated, constant, oppressive physical and/or psychological behavior towards one person who is seen as less powerful.” There is ALWAYS an imbalance of power.
“Teasing involves a situation where there is a balance of power. It is not constant and oppressive. Professionals and community members have spent a great deal of time working with bullies in hopes of curtailing their behaviors. There is now a more popular and widely used approach internationally. The school of thought now is to assist the victim in using social skills that will assist them in not allowing themselves to be victimized. When a bully sees that he of she can push the victim’s buttons, they will continue to do so simply because they can. Bullying is less about what is wrong with the victim. The reason it continues is because the victim does not know strategies to stop the bully from bullying.”
Once again, the value and need for an Integrated Character Education Program is indicated. If an entire campus, even better an entire district is emphasizing the importance of character, modeling, openly discussing inappropriate situations, and exhibiting mutual respect in all situations, it will and DOES make a difference in the school climate!
