Time and the right conditions not only preserve but bring about something of beauty – Marie Clancy.
I have been writing on the topic of bullying since late last year and I greatly appreciate all the support, encouragement and insightful feedback and comments which I have received to my Bullying & Beyond posts!
In order to access the most up to date information available on bullying and gain some insights and understanding of the Government’s education policy regarding the prevention of bullying, I decided to join a blended learning programme being offered by NABC; the National Anti Bullying Association of Ireland, entitled Bullying Prevention & Intervention Online Course for Teachers. It is a ten week online programme which also includes two face to face sessions in DCU, Dublin City University, St Patrick’s, Drumcondra, in Dublin.
And so, I would like to invite you to share your thoughts with me and in doing so, help me inform my answer to the first question we have been posed…
“What do you think are the greatest challenges teachers face when dealing with bullying behaviours?”
I look forward to your thought provoking responses!
Hi... failte (Irish for welcome! and pronounced fall-thhha).
I'm a newbie to blogging, here just over a year, but what a great year it has been!
I've turned the corner to 50 recently and two things become more relevant...time and experiences!
Material possessions are less important! Using time wisely and truly experiencing each day holds a new significance for me!
If you wish..., a little of the back story...
I''m blessed to be married to a kind and loving man for 28 years, we have two children now 19 and 21.
As I approached 40 and searching for something more, whilst holding down my then part-time legal secretarial work, I trained as a voluntary adult literacy tutor, with the hope of helping adults improve their literacy skills and have a second, and better experience of learning!
However, little did I think that wanting to help others improve their lives would see my own life improve beyond measure also!
You see for years I found it difficult to know what to do as I watched our two children suffer at the hands of bullies. Their struggle began to change when I returned to education! Through education I slowly gained valuable knowledge, I grew in confidence and self-esteme and it had a ripple effect!
By 2014, aged 47 I had completed a Higher Certificate in Literacy Development and a B.A. in Adult Education. I love my work as an adult educator, particularly when adults trust me enough to let down their defences and 'let me in'. Then I can help them by getting to know what makes them 'tic' and what 'lights their fire!'.
As an added bonus along the way I've realised that I also have a love of writing and that writing is cathartic (providing psychological relief through written expression of built up emotions), both for my students and myself. This blog enables me to pursue that new-found interest and I've really enjoying reading your blogs, sharing comments, getting to know so many people and gaining new perspectives. I also like to share any little 'gems' of learning I've gathered along the way!
Thanks for sharing your stories and for helping me realise that it is all possible...and that together we write a truly better story!
Much love,
Marie x
as a non-teacher but aware of current policies/behaviours I would suggest …
1. hearing and believing genuine complaints
2. acting against the perp not the victim
3. cease the bullying that so many teachers already inflict setting a bad example!
Sorry if I’m off mark but this is my personal observation …
Thank you Kate for these thought provoking points.
1, yes to this! Listening skills, awareness and empathy are the answer The challenge being sometimes teachers can’t listen because victims don’t speak out because they are silenced by an environment that is not explicitly bully free and free of the fear of retaliation. Creating a safe environment – zero tolerance of bullying is essential.
2. Yes, the victim needs to be saved any further distress. The bully needs to be left in no doubt that their behaviour will not be tolerated and remedial supports need to be put in place.
3. Agreed. CPD for teachers, that highlight the distress and damage caused by bullying, often as a result of the gap between the approach they espouse to use and the actual teaching approach they employ.
Any thoughts Kate, on the above are welcome. Thabks again for your ongoing interest in this emotive and damaging issue. Xx
A very good point Kate, I can definitely empathise with that struggle and also offer support thanks to doing the job I do, being a literacy tutor. If I’m offered a key word or suggestion even that’s enough and I can build on it! Also life is too short to worry about spelling mistakes, I make lots of them myself, but it doesn’t limit me or define me as a person. We are more than our literacy level!
You have obviously worked hard improving your literacy Kate, as I’d never have guessed! Yes for sure it takes time and trust in the receiver and confidence, which comes with patience and practice. Xx
I have installed a special spell check for my mac … also the reason I asked about counting syllables, I really don’t have a clue … devices have helped heaps 🙂
Not an easy one to answer but I’d say the first problem would be to identify the issue and not receiving the adequate support and positive reinforcement from the family. It starts at the home since many of the bullying may be over social media/cell phones.
Some great points there Bernice. Yes, identifying, noticing or becoming aware of the issue is a big challenge. Having a whole community approach, which sees parents, school non teaching staff and even school bus drivers informed and aware of what bullying is and of strategies to prevent it is very important too. And yes, some of it was via social media in our home where we thought Emma was safe but soon learned otherwise. Thanks for joining the conversation Berniece, every voice makes a difference! Xx
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October 11, 2019 at 10:56 pm
as a non-teacher but aware of current policies/behaviours I would suggest …
1. hearing and believing genuine complaints
2. acting against the perp not the victim
3. cease the bullying that so many teachers already inflict setting a bad example!
Sorry if I’m off mark but this is my personal observation …
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 12, 2019 at 12:42 pm
Thank you Kate for these thought provoking points.
1, yes to this! Listening skills, awareness and empathy are the answer The challenge being sometimes teachers can’t listen because victims don’t speak out because they are silenced by an environment that is not explicitly bully free and free of the fear of retaliation. Creating a safe environment – zero tolerance of bullying is essential.
2. Yes, the victim needs to be saved any further distress. The bully needs to be left in no doubt that their behaviour will not be tolerated and remedial supports need to be put in place.
3. Agreed. CPD for teachers, that highlight the distress and damage caused by bullying, often as a result of the gap between the approach they espouse to use and the actual teaching approach they employ.
Any thoughts Kate, on the above are welcome. Thabks again for your ongoing interest in this emotive and damaging issue. Xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 12, 2019 at 8:47 pm
they are the main ones that I can think of and you have nutted the finer details out thanks! Looking forward to reading others responses …
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October 12, 2019 at 10:04 pm
Thanks Kate! Yes, I hope others will add their voices to the conversation.
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October 12, 2019 at 10:22 pm
many may struggle to verbalise their ideas …
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October 13, 2019 at 8:26 am
A very good point Kate, I can definitely empathise with that struggle and also offer support thanks to doing the job I do, being a literacy tutor. If I’m offered a key word or suggestion even that’s enough and I can build on it! Also life is too short to worry about spelling mistakes, I make lots of them myself, but it doesn’t limit me or define me as a person. We are more than our literacy level!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 13, 2019 at 10:35 am
well said Marie, lets hope this chat gives a few more confidence to speak up … I’m dyslexic with numbers and spelling 🙂
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October 13, 2019 at 12:19 pm
You have obviously worked hard improving your literacy Kate, as I’d never have guessed! Yes for sure it takes time and trust in the receiver and confidence, which comes with patience and practice. Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 13, 2019 at 12:34 pm
I have installed a special spell check for my mac … also the reason I asked about counting syllables, I really don’t have a clue … devices have helped heaps 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 13, 2019 at 6:06 pm
The positive side of using technology Kate!
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October 14, 2019 at 2:00 am
Not an easy one to answer but I’d say the first problem would be to identify the issue and not receiving the adequate support and positive reinforcement from the family. It starts at the home since many of the bullying may be over social media/cell phones.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 14, 2019 at 8:26 am
Some great points there Bernice. Yes, identifying, noticing or becoming aware of the issue is a big challenge. Having a whole community approach, which sees parents, school non teaching staff and even school bus drivers informed and aware of what bullying is and of strategies to prevent it is very important too. And yes, some of it was via social media in our home where we thought Emma was safe but soon learned otherwise. Thanks for joining the conversation Berniece, every voice makes a difference! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 14, 2019 at 2:04 am
Usually parents who are bullies have children that mimic the same behavior and are quick to defend their child even if they’re wrong.
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