The documentary Bully Proof was extremely moving and eye-opening in terms of how I as a teacher should approach the sensitive topic of bullying in a classroom and school community. In watching the video and thinking back to my own experiences as a teenager, it is evident that all forms of bullying – verbal, physical, psychological and more – all drastically impact the lives of both the victim and the bully.
I was not surprised to hear that so many students admitted to getting bullied; if anything, I’m surprised not more people admitted this. It seems like the more attention we give to bullying, the more we come to realize how concerning and horrible it can be. Furthermore, we can see how prominent it is in all communities, but particularly in situations where there is a large group of youth, such as in schools. In many instances, youth are faced most with bullies, and being the bullies, because of their own problems and insecurities that go along with the sensitive stage of development students find themselves in. One of the main concerns that keep being repeated is how victims are affected in so many ways, and yet the one thing that would help them move out of their dark place is to be listened to. When looking at bullying, we need to constantly re-examine how we as teachers can continue to be strong allies for those affected. Sometimes, students may appear to be thriving, but in reality, they are merely trying to survive and make it through until grade 12. How can we as teachers make school not something that is dreaded, but rather a place where all people are celebrated? We must be understanding of all students, even when they let us down. We must be there for the ones who need us most, regardless of how they reach out to us. Those who are bullied are often silent, as are those who are the bullies. Anti-bullying initiatives are powerful and important to bring awareness to such a prominent yet silenced issue; however, in these initiatives, it is so important that we look at all sides of people affected by bullying and must ask ourselves what leads students to feel the need to pick on others in order to remove themselves from their own pain, or feel powerful in their own high school experience.The bullies are so often the ones who do not know another way to get our attention. We, then, need to give them our attention. In the end, building a trusting and open relationship with the students is one of the best ways we as teachers can prevent bullying. This way, students who are bullied can reach out more easily, and those who need support can receive it before taking their anger out on something or someone else. Having resources available to all students, not giving up on those who need us, and creating an environment that is inclusive and welcoming will help all students journey through adolescence more seamlessly.
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11/19/2015 07:01:06 pm
Some good thoughts around what we can do to support students- I look forward to our discussion with Terry tomorrow and to your questions...let's see what has happened in the years since this documentary.
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