The Creature That Is Bullying Education

Lawsuits and subsequent laws make schools and educators deal with bullying in education, but parents and students are important components of the situation as well. For decades, Elizabeth Bennett has worked with organizations concerning prevention of bullying and with the psychology of it all. Bennett, an author, speaker, consultant and former counselor who is also certified by the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, has researched bullying for two decades. Her preventative measures "span for the bully, bullied and bystander." Before looking at her suggested resolutions, Bennett suggests understanding the creature that is bullying.

Bullying, like most abuse, is circular; the bully was once the bullied. Many victims suffer from serious issues such as Clinical Depression, Social Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and even Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The abusers have their own set of problems such as Clinical Depression, PTSD, along with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. The cyclical situation is exacerbated because "these child bullies are kids. Their minds are not developed enough and they are developing as people." Medical intervention is necessary, as the causes and effects of bullying are severe. Society as a whole is not well, especially since such behavior is threaded throughout American culture.

Most teachers, especially young professionals, acknowledge that bullying is wrong. The movement against bullying in education began with confusion over definitions and rights, but soon became organized and louder. Still, teachers and administrators who truly want to help struggle with bullies and their victims. Are kids who argue at recess working through a friendly disagreement or is one a bully? Asking either student rarely results in an honest answer, as bullies fear trouble and victims fear worse treatment from peers. Educators should not tolerate excuses surrounding bullying, as "by the age of six, they are capable of grasping concrete rules and should be learning to grasp empathy." (Of course, that leads right back to the problem of a lack of empathy and disorders associated with such). Bennett also believes schools should develop and implement programs hold assemblies twice a year. Just as teachers cover homework and tardy policies weekly or daily, bullying policies should be reviewed with students as well.

Prevention is key, and that means children, educators and parents need information about bullying. Bullying is more of an exposed problem than decades ago, yet education and research surrounding it are greatly needed. Keeping quiet about such a deep and complex problem will only worsen the circumstances. Bennett's services educate and remind the public that bullying is a sincere, tragic problem. She works with schools to minimize bullying. Her passion, however, lies in helping adults who are surviving bullying from their younger years. Part of earning a sustainable education requires being safe at school. Therefore, it is a reachable goal to have schools and parents work together so her services are no longer necessary.

Photo Credit: Joe Shlabotnik