PERSPECTIVES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ISSUE
In this assignment the child's, families and educators perspectives on bullying are addressed.
THE CHILD'S PERSPECTIVE
Children describe bullies as making them feel uncomfortable. They view bullies as people that call others names, spread rumours and physically hurt others. Children feel like there is nothing they can do to stop this. Bullies can be boys or girls, older or younger and often do this to feel powerful and impress their friends (Kalamazoo College, 2005). (Click on the image to view more.) Often, these children have been bullied themselves by others or even in their own home. Children who are bullied do not want to tell others for fear of being bullied even more. Children are being bullied within their own homes and feel that when confronted with bullies that this is normal behaviour and acceptable. Sometimes this leads to the child being a bully themselves as they do not realize that violence is not an acceptable behaviour. They then choose to bully to feel like they have to build up confidence and self esteem (Cheal, 2002).
This video of a young teenage girls describes in her own words what can happen when bullying spirals out of control. We as
educators need to be aware that this is happening within our schools and communities. Educating students on bullying, watching and listening closely to what is happening around us, will be a step in preventing this outcome. Educating our students on diversity within our society will help them in accepting people that are different to ourselves. Here some web links on incidents and statistics of bullying concerning homosexual teenagers and Australian Aboriginals. Here is a link to a website on self harm.
educators need to be aware that this is happening within our schools and communities. Educating students on bullying, watching and listening closely to what is happening around us, will be a step in preventing this outcome. Educating our students on diversity within our society will help them in accepting people that are different to ourselves. Here some web links on incidents and statistics of bullying concerning homosexual teenagers and Australian Aboriginals. Here is a link to a website on self harm.
THE FAMILIES PERSPECTIVE
A functional definition of a family is one of supporting, caring and protecting their child from physical and emotional hurt (Cheal, 2002). Parents have a responsibility to ensure their child will grow up into a happy and confident human being. In the standard model of family life the family shields its members from pressures exerted by other people within society. The family provides a safe haven for their child (Cheal, 2002). This can often be difficult if the child does not confide in the parents about the situation. Children often feel that the bullying will get worse if the bully is confronted and then be subject to more physical and emotional abuse. The child might also feel that the parents will not understand their situation and this will cause the child more stress (Cheal, 2002). ( Click on the image)
The video below looks at parents views on recognising the signs and communicating with their child. Bullying can affect any child. Parents need to communicate with their child from an early age. Communication is the key to be able to open up the lines so the child can feel comfortable to communicate with their parents. This needs to have been an ongoing process. Recognising the changes in your child personality and taking notice of what they say will often give parents a clue that something is not right. Ask questions and take notice of your childs response. Parents need to realize that there may be more going on than just school yard normal behaviour. Communicate with their teacher to find out if it is been continuous and what is their perspective of the situation.
THE EDUCATORS PERSPECTIVE
Students, staff and parents have a right to be in a safe school environment and feel supported and respected within this environment. The Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians (2008) states that " schools play a vital role in promoting the intellectual, physical, social, emotional, moral, spiritual and aesthetic development of all Australians". The National Safe School Framework promotes these goals. Schools policies and procedures are evaluated regularly to reflect this and as educators we will follow these guidelines. Schools will not tolerate bullying of any form (Ministerial Council for Education, Early Childhood and Youth Affairs (2011). As educators we need to gain knowledge and communicate with the students and parents to build a better understanding of bullying. Gaining information will help us as a community work together to know the signs and prevent bullying.
Here is a web link that will assist educators gain more information on bullying. A judge said parents and schools should be responsible for bullying. There should be more national laws that state the expectations of parents and schools to manage bullying. View the interview or listen to the audio on this subject.
This video below looks at educators, their perspectives and own personal experiences on bullying. People are bullied for a variety of reasons but the most common is differences, differences in looks, abilities and culture. This video brought to light feelings from the past from being bullied and this helped the educators to be much more empathetic people towards victims of bullying.