Bullying is a sensitive subject in the home and in school settings. After chatting with educators on the Edutopia Community on the 8 Steps to Combat the Bullying Epidemic, I received great feedback on ideas/programs to assist in combating bullying. One of the commenters suggested the following: http://www.coolkindkid.com or 866-KID-KIND for social skills and anti-bullying educational materials. She also noted, "Our children today are bombarded in school, their neighborhoods and the media with the message that mean, rude, unkind, and disrespectful behavior is cool, and that bullying is cool. As parents, educators, and the media, we have a responsibility to change that message to teach our children that kind, caring and respectful behavior is cool, and that bullying is the ultimate in uncool" (B. Gilmour, personal communication, February 12, 2015). Further, the author of the blog, Halstead (2015), suggested the bucketfilling technique to help children express themselves and solve conflicts.
After this experience, I was able to identify new ways of working with the youth in my group home. I was not as sure before. However, I now understand that it starts simply with networking with others that value the need of supporting a relevant cause. The blog can be followed at the following: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/8-steps-combat-bullying-epidemic-ann-marie-gardinier-halstead.
I am wondering, what other methods are there that may be simpler than these to help educators and youth identify bullying, as well as how to prevent it? Also, how serious is the need for anti-bullying programs around the world?
I think that bullying is something that is a major concern across the globe. Thank you for sharing your resources! I think that all teachers should have something in place for those students who experience bullying. Do you think preventative measures in the classroom can decrease the number of bullying incidents?
ReplyDeleteJonda I do believe a decrease can happen. According to Rubin (2012), "Last year in Sweden in the Lerum municipality, 17 schools took part in the KiVa™ program. During the first school year, the number of students who were bullied decreased by 40% and the number of students who were bullying others decreased by 30%" (para. 20). The program instituted is called KiVa (from the Finnish words “kiusaamista vastaan,” meaning “against bullying”). Though it is European born, Delaware is trying it in 6 different schools (60 classrooms) and possibly has increased. The following is the link to read the entire article: http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/rubin/effective-bullying-prevention-program.shtml
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