The existence of a program for Bullying Prevention shows the severity behind a long-term problem in our schools. Long lamented by kids, bullying has come to the forefront of the news and awareness of the public at large after recent stories of a father having to verbally back off kids who were tormenting his daughter who suffers from cerebral palsy, and rash of student suicides which have been the result of bullying and harassment. It is not a new problem, but it is one that was pushed off as “kids being kids” for much too long.
Bullying programs exist in most schools these days, allowing for school counselors to work with students regarding the severity of bullying and how to handle it socially. October is Bullying Prevention Month, and this year, several well known media outlets have pushed the issue to the forefront of their news lines, in the attempt to draw attention to what is becoming an increasingly frightening concern for parents and students alike.
CNN is tackling the issue with a one-hour town hall meeting on Anderson Cooper 360°. According to the Huffington Post, “The town hall, titled Bullying: No Escape; an AC 360 Special Report with PEOPLE Magazine and Cartoon Network, will air Oct. 8th at 10 PM. The town hall participants will include author and psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw, and Rosalind Wiseman, author of the best-selling book "Queen Bees and Wannabees", which inspired the movie "Mean Girls." American Idol finalist Crystal Bowersox will also share how bullying effected her life. Families personally struggling with this issue will discuss how it has become so prevalent and what parents and children can do to stop it. Additional town hall participants will also discuss the latest understandings and response options for bystanders, who represent 75-85% of students in schools considered witnesses to bullying.”
People magazine is offering a spotlight on bullying in its October 18th issue, scheduled to hit newsstands October 8th.
Even Cartoon Network is getting on board with the launch of its Stop Bullying: Speak Up, initiative on Oct. 4th, in accordance with the recently established Bullying Prevention Advisory Board. Cartoon Network is taking a proactive approach to what is a vey real concern for experts and parents alike. According to a recent New York Times article, Nicole Werner, a psychologist who studies bullying at Washington State University stated “I have to expect that the amount and type of media kids are consuming at younger ages is having an effect.”
The article goes on to note that other experts agree. “The research literature on aggression is very clear that with relational aggression, it’s monkey see, money do,” said Tracy Vaillancourt, who specializes in children’s mental health and violence prevention at the University of Ottawa. “Kids mirror the larger culture, from reality TV to materialism.”
The tendency for children to mimic the behavior they see on TV, in movies hear in their music shows a need to police the media our kids watch an hear. Violence is a learned behavior, and if they see it as funny or entertaining, the chance of their perpetrating it towards their peers escalates.
Bullying is a very serious issue. It’s no longer a matter of taunts or teasing. Cyber-bullying brings the torment home, while the severity is escalating in schools to increasingly cruel physical attacks.
What can you do if your child is victim of a bully, or even a bully?
• Talk to them about bullying. Be clear that it’s not a game and that they need to speak up if they are feeling pressure from their peers.
• See what programs your school offers to students involved in bullying.
• Remember that even the bullies are children, they need guidance to change their behavior. If they are repeat offenders, the punishment needs to fit the crime. The ultimate goal is to end the cycle.
• If the school programs don’t offer what your child needs, seek outside counseling to deal with the issue.
Check out the above mentioned programs and publications to see how other schools and families are dealing with bullying. The solutions lay in everyone working together to end the lack of respect our kids feel towards one another, and they need our help to do it.
Posted By: Paul Adams
Thursday, October 14th 2010 at 8:40PM
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