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Bullying is the act of intentionally causing harm to others, through verbal harassment, physical assault, or other more subtle methods of coercion such as manipulation. Bullying can be defined in many different ways. Although the UK currently has no legal definition of bullying, some US states have laws against it. Bullying is usually done to coerce others by fear or threat.
Bullying in school is also referred to as peer abuse.’
No one deserves to be bullied- in school bullying can occur on ‘both siides of the fence’. You can be bullied by a fellow student, but even us teachers can be bullied by colleagues or management. We must both stand up to it. It is often easier for the adult to stand up to the bully- don’t be forced into a situation you feel uncomfortable about through fear of losing your job. Jobs come and go, but self worth goes at a price. I remember being told by a boss- her name was Jane, she’ll know who she is, ( who until that point had also been a friend ) that I was required to give one to one lessons to a male student. I told her in no uncertain terms that I did not feel comfortable about this and did not want to do it . My bad feelings were confirmed when I heard he ‘wanted a nice female teacher’…..I refused to teach him , was told I ”had to” and continued to refuse. I told my boss that there was nothing in this life I had to do if I didn’t want to and that life was too short. I didn’t teach him, and my punishment was that, as well as teaching my usual afternoon and evening classes ( 6 hours per day ) I was put on the front desk as ‘receptionist’ for the three remaining days of my penultimate week at work. Not much fun but I kept my self esteem- I also got my salary and took the last three days of the following week off.
If you are being bullied. If you witness bullying. If your child is being bullied . Or if you just want a few tips, check these websites out.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/specials/bullying/default.stm
http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/index.asp
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/bullying/
Bullying? don’t accept it.
July 19, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Bullying, a form of intimidation, may be subtle, or not so subtle. Many a teacher has been “bullied” by school administrators more interested in personal political careers than sound principles of education. The novel, The Twilight’s Last Gleaming On Public Educaiton, which possesses many of the elements commonly found in just about every school system throughout the United States, discusses the potential, challenges, and obstacles that currently litter the public education landscape in America. You may view a portion of this intriguing, socially relevant, and enlightening story online by contacting the publisher at http://www.Xlibris.com, clicking on their Bookstore link, then Searching by title. Check it out for yourself, then see how you can help implement desired changes.
July 20, 2008 at 2:43 am
“Many a teacher has been “bullied” by school administrators more interested in personal political careers than sound principles of education.”
After nearly 30 years in education, I’ve seen my fair share of bullying between and among students, between students and teachers, and between teachers and administrators. It’s manifested itself in all forms - subtle and blatant. Seldom does a day pass that it doesn’t show its ugly face.
I’ve learned to be observant, take good notes, and carry a digital recorder. Document, document, document! Advocacy in the form of membership in a union, if one is available, is a must. Keeping a low profile until the time is right to “show your hand” is critical, for once you have all the facts and details in order and strike, the element of surprise and the facts presented will be difficult to refute.
I’ve used the tactic before. It works. Just go into any situation prepared with facts, and representation. Maintain your composure and be professional. Above all, tell the truth at all times.