by James Burns | Oct 20, 2019 | Burns' Bench
As a long term educator and administrator I discovered many years ago the affects of bullying on children but more importantly how bullying can affect a person over the long term. My schooling which includes a MA in Special Education never really hit the mark when it came down to student behavior management and the damage that harassment, intimidation, and bullying can cause in a person’s life. It wasn’t until 1998 that I really took a hard look at this epidemic that plagues our school. Bullying truly is behavior that no one forgets.
Bullying has both short and long term consequences. As a child it reduces self esteem, increases the risk of suicide and depression, causes academic and behavioral problems and contributes to poor attendance. It is estimated by the National Educational Association that more than 180,000 students miss school every day in the United States because of being bullied. As a teacher empowerment comes from knowledge and awareness of all of the factors associated with bullying. We need to develop the ability to hold the bully accountable but, more importantly we need to help strengthen the victim and help them build resiliency that leads to lifelong success.
Some important tips that teachers can use to help combat bullying in their classroom are:
- Understand that some things are right or wrong, black or white, no gray area, bullying is one of them
- Teach students to comply with the rules and enforce them with consequences
- Learn to stop asking and start telling. Too many questions can lead to confusion and the bending of the rules
- Educate students on the long term consequences of bullying and the impact that it can have on the bully and the victim
- Teach respect and encourage responsibility at all times
- Teach students How To Cooperate Even Though They Might Disagree
- Encourage students to learn how to disagree but with the right attitude.
- Teach character education in your school and in your classroom
- Keep things simple and follow the golden rule.
by James Burns | Apr 18, 2019 | Burns' Bench
FOX – CNN – MSNBC Yes, I know all cable outlets for the news. Is it news, or is it the networks slant on the news? I think you know the answer. It is no longer just reporting the news. It’s reporting the new based upon the political views of the network. In homes across the country opinions are being formed by adults who listen to the thoughts of so called reporters, and experts who want everyone to believe that their network is fair and balanced. Thoughts about different countries, races, religions, ethnicity, and all manner of current events can enter homes with the click of a remote.
Do families talk about the news? Of course they do. The problem is they are not forming an opinion based upon their own values rather the values of others. How does this relate to bullying? The bias that may result in homes regarding the differences in others impacts our students. This negative communication filters down by osmosis and our students form negative attitudes and can become prejudicial in their thinking. What parents fail to understand is that their children attend school everyday with other students of very different backgrounds. Adults need to understand how their thoughts, words, actions, attitudes, and motives affect their children. It is far easier to build a boy than to mend a man. Know who is in front of you. Prejudice is learned it’s not genetic. Let’s all learn to value the differences.
by James Burns | Feb 27, 2019 | Burns' Bench
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This guide is usable for teachers and students alike. It explains what Sexual Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying looks like. This is a great way for teachers to start a discussion with their students on the topic. It also fits in with the culture of our world today as this issue seems to be in the news on a daily basis. It is truly instructive and preventative.
by James Burns | Feb 25, 2019 | Burns' Bench
Bench Notice
I look for articles on bullying all the time on the internet and keep my ear to the ground for current events on the topic. My hope is that I find human interest stories that have a happy ending. I typed in bullying in the news today and was shocked by the number of events that have gone on during the last month or so. Stories I am not even sure if everyone is aware of. What’s even more alarming is the number of suicides that were reported. I am including the link here, not to distress my readers but to make everyone aware that this problem is not going away. For every warm and fuzzy story that we read or hear about there are dozens of other stories about bullying events. This does not include the unreported events that are less headline grabbing. Click the link for more information.
The New York Post: Bullying In The News
