Bullying – Have We Done Enough?
By Kathleen A. Matchunis, President of Connecting, Inc.
Bullying is one of the most insidious behaviors which exists. Are we doing all that we can to counteract it? Teachers and administrators have been trained, but teachers and administrators cannot be everywhere and see everything.
As your children progress to the upper grades of elementary school, and then onto middle school and high school, they need to prepared, so that they do not become a victim. Children need to be taught the body language of projecting confidence. Having good posture, good eye contact, and an assertive tone of voice is helpful if you do not want to appear to be a victim.
Children need to know how to behave as a bystander. If every child were trained to be an effective bystander, bullies would hesitate to bully others, because bystanders would be confident about reporting bullying. Bystanders hold the power to report bullying, thus controlling the situation.
Parents need to model non-bullying behavior at home and in the community. Kids see bullying behavior often on reality TV shows, so control their TV viewing or watch those shows with them and use the activity as a teachable moment, where you can explain that this is not how you treat others. Show tolerance and respect for those who are different from you. Emphasize to your children that they can learn from people of different backgrounds, religions, races, and belief systems.
Check out a wonderful new website which includes a video, which explains the power of the bystander in the bullying triangle. This website’s link is http://www.willustand.com/. This touching video was created by teens for teens.
It is never acceptable to bully anyone, even if the other person has bullied you. It is your responsibility to be a bystander who reports any bullying. You can do so anonymously by calling the SILENCE HURTS hotline at (754) 321-0911.
For ideas on how to handle bullying situations, call teen life coach, Kathleen Matchunis at 954 294-9708 for a complimentary initial consultation.