Understanding Bullying Behavior: What Educators Should Know

Understanding Bullying Behavior: What Educators Should Know and Can

The main focus of the article "Understanding Bullying Behavior" by Elizabeth Kandel Englander is to provide educators with insights into the nature of bullying among children, emphasizing the importance of educating children about the characteristics, effects, and prevention strategies related to bullying. Englander discusses the significance of helping children comprehend what constitutes bullying, how it influences victims and perpetrators, and the role adults play in intervention and prevention. The article emphasizes that awareness and understanding are foundational to combating bullying behaviors effectively within educational settings. It explores various approaches educators can utilize to foster a safe and supportive environment where children learn about respectful behavior and empathy. The article also highlights the importance of integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) programs that address bullying directly. Overall, the focus is on empowering students with knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to bullying in constructive ways, promoting healthier interactions among children. This proactive approach aims to reduce the prevalence of bullying and cultivate a school climate rooted in respect and understanding.

Paper For Above instruction

In Elizabeth Kandel Englander's article, "Understanding Bullying Behavior," the primary focus is to inform educators about the crucial aspects of bullying among children and to highlight effective strategies for prevention and intervention. The article stresses that understanding the characteristics of bullying can enable educators to better recognize such behaviors early and implement appropriate responses. Englander advocates for comprehensive awareness among children regarding what constitutes bullying, emphasizing the importance of differentiated approaches for various forms of bullying, including physical, verbal, and relational aggression. She discusses that one effective strategy is teaching children about empathy, which redefines peer relationships and fosters emotional intelligence—an essential tool in reducing bullying instances. Another strategy involves implementing classroom discussions that focus on students' feelings and perspectives, helping children understand the impact of their actions on others. A third approach highlighted is involving parents and caregivers in educational efforts to reinforce anti-bullying messages at home. When working with children, I plan to incorporate these strategies by designing activities that promote empathy, mindfulness, and open dialogue about feelings, which can encourage positive peer interactions. I will also facilitate parent engagement sessions to extend anti-bullying principles beyond the classroom, creating a consistent message across environments. Ultimately, the article portrays that combining awareness, empathy-building, and family involvement can significantly reduce bullying behaviors and enhance a supportive learning environment.

References

  • Englander, E. K. (2014). Understanding Bullying Behavior: What Educators Should Know and Can. American Educator, Winter.
  • Blackwell Publishing.
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  • Rigby, K. (2003). Consequences of Bullying in Schools. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 48(9), 583-590.
  • Craig, W. M., et al. (2009). The Impact of Anti-bullying Programs: A Meta-Analytic Review. Psychology in the Schools, 46(6), 516-529.
  • Hymel, S., & Swearer, S. M. (2015). Four Decades of Research on School Bullying: An Introduction. American Psychologist, 70(4), 293-299.
  • National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2016). Preventing Bullying Through Social and Emotional Learning: A Review of the Evidence. The National Academies Press.
  • Pepler, D., & Craig, W. (2000). Making a Difference in Bullying Prevention. Canadian Journalist of Psychiatry, 45(6), 519-526.

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