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| A. Rockwell |
How do we prevent bullying?
According to Bullying Statistics, a website designed to help educate the public on bullying issues; such as school bullying, workplace bullies, bullying teachers, adult bullies, and more, "statistics show bullying is becoming a huge problem." As stated on the site, the goal is to help teens, families, schools, and communities get the education and help they need to prevent being bullied. Further, the site offers information on seeking therapy or treatment for those who are bullying others, or are victims of bullies. Bullying Statistics hopes by learning about the causes of bullying, each of us can help prevent this type of abuse and help our communities be safer.
To read more, please go here:
http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/
http://www.stopbullying.gov/index.html
http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/
http://www.stopbullying.gov/index.html
After exploring these sites and reading about bullying, please come back here and leave your comments. In your comments, please include what information you found most thought provoking, and describe how you think educators can work to address bullying.
Thank you for your participation,
A. Rockwell
The Bullying Statistics site is very thought provoking! Just this past week a 13 year old girl in a nearby town committed suicide after being bullied. It is very sad to think she is now one of these statistics. I was shocked to see where 71% said that bullying was an on-going problem and that one out of twenty had seen someone with a gun at school. This is a very sobering topic. Educators must be on the look out for signs and warnings! We must be pro-active in teaching students at an early age that no form of bullying will be tolerated. We have to find a way to help victims speak out before it drives them to suicide. Communication and awareness are critical to helping stop this epidemic.
ReplyDeleteKayla,
DeleteYou're right, educators can not ignore the signs. If this type of behavior isn't addressed, children become adult bullies. And, the problem continues.
Here is another website devoted to the topic of bullying:
http://www.stopbullying.gov/index.html
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI was shocked at the statistic that 'in 85% of bullying cases no intervention is sought by teachers or administrators.' Though I really shouldn't be. As a child I remember being bullied and approaching a teacher about it and she laughed saying the student was just playing.
ReplyDeleteI have however noticed a shift in high school bullying. It seems this anti-bullying campaign is really becoming effective. Students are becoming more aware of the fact that they are not alone when bullied and therefore are better able to stand up for themselves or seek help. I also believe educators are more aware of the signs bullied students and bullies display.
Regardless, the information was quite sobering in that a person's feeling of worthlessness can stem from something so preventable.
I think you're right; educators have become more proactive. Teachers should always be aware of what their students are going through, if possible. It is senseless. And, many kids just keep it to themselves, if they're the victim.
DeleteThe statistics really are thought provoking. Many times we get caught up in our little bubble and think that if it doesn't happen to us, it's not our problem. Bullying is something that has gone on for many years, but isn't something that we should overlook. In my classroom, I have a zero tolerance for bullying policy. However, the bullying isn't always happening in the classroom. Here we have a safe place, the students have order. If I see a situation that could possibly cause a problem, I separate the students before it has a chance to happen. I can keep a closer eye on them in the classroom. However, most of the bullying is occuring at PE. There the students have more freedom, the PE coaches are watching and listening to every word being said, they don't catch the body language from all of the students. This is when the bullies come out. I have so many students coming to me after PE telling me so and so did this, so and so said this, so and so hit so and so, yet no adult saw it happen or they are ignoring it. If bullying is going to be prevented, all adults have to come together on the issue.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Bullies are very manipulative and sneaky about their behavior. I think schoolwide campaigns are the answer, involving everyone; parents, administration, teachers, and students. Part of the counseling curriculum should be devoted to this, and there should be an ongoing dialogue.
Delete“An Imbalance of Power: Kids who bully use their power—such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity—to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same people.” There is a big problem in our schools with bullying. Some students change schools to escape from bulling while others just suffer. Teachers, parents, and students need to be educated about bulling. I think bulling gets worse as student’s progress to middle and high school if it is not addressed in elementary school. Teachers need to address how to treat others in the beginning of the year. It is important that students feel safe at school.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. It is about power and control. If this behavior is accepted and ignored, bullies grow up and become abusive people. This behavior harms our society. And yes, many victims suffer in silence, or have to interrupt their life to escape their bullies. It saddens me. I mentioned before, I think school-wide campaigns are the answer. This topic should yield as much importance as testing, drug education, etc.
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