|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Taming bullies Dealing with Bullying
in Schools This is an effective manual for ‘teachers, parents and other professionals’. The book focuses on ways and methods to create a safe environment in schools — an environment that protects students against violence and bullying. Mona O’ Moore and Stephen James Minton have studied nationwide surveys of bullying behaviour in certain countries in Europe (Ireland, Scotland) and Australia and regional surveys in the UK. They have established it is a widespread practice with devastating effects on the bullied pupils. Mona O’ Moore is associate professor at the Department of Education at Trinity College, Dublin, where she is the coordinator of the anti-bullying research and resource centre. Stephen James is a researcher at this centre. Armed with their hands-on research findings, the two authors have created a work, which is essential for educational institutions. Unfortunately, as adults, we tend to brush bullying behaviour under the carpet perhaps because of the mixed messages we received when we were young. The authors clarify that this behaviour is not because adults are irresponsible towards violence and abuse in the ‘wider society’ but when it comes to school bullying behaviour, we come up with statements like, "it’s a part of life", "sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never harm you" or "it’ll toughen you up." These responses, emphatically claim the authors, are absolute myths. "Being bullied never did anyone any favours. All it does is destroys a person’s self-esteem and confidence and causes physical, emotional and psychological damage of the potentially most serious and long-lasting kind." The magnitude of the number of people who have been subjected to and affected by bullying in schools is, in fact, phenomenal and, thus, the problem needs to be addressed in a systematic manner than most schools actually do. "The aim of the book is to provide school communities with practical support and key resources that they need in countering bullying and aggressive behaviour." The authors have addressed every segment of the school community, including school management staff, the classroom staff, the parents and the students, and spelt out their roles in counteracting bullying. The book has been sectionalised into four parts, with each chapter targeting a different audience. The first section deals with formulating effective anti-bullying policies and strategies in school. Another section deals with preventive strategies through classroom activities. The next part addresses parents. The signs to watch out for that will indicate that the child is being bullied or is a bully. Finally, the book addresses the young persons themselves. The manual aims to give
the young a life free from violence and fear. |
