Time and the right conditions not only preserve but bring about something of beauty – Marie Clancy.
School bullying, particularly cyberbullying is very upsetting. Parents can’t afford to sit back and avoid educating themselves about cyber/online bullying.
A good place to start, is with this simple advice on Dealing with Cyberbullying.
1.DON’T REPLY TO MESSAGES that harass or annoy you. Even though you may really want to, this is exactly what the sender wants. They want to know that they’ve got you worried or upset.
2. KEEP THE MESSAGE You don’t have to read it, but keep it. If you keep getting messages that upset you, you will need to have evidence in order to get help.
3. BLOCK THE SENDER You don’t need to put up with somebody harassing you. Simply click the ‘block’ button.
4. TELL SOMEBODY YOU TRUST Talking to your friends, parents, a teacher you trust, or guidance counsellor is usually the first step in dealing with any issue. If you need to talk to someone straight away please call Childline on 1800 66 66 66.
Have you or your children experenced school bullying or cyberbullying? Is so, how did you deal with it?
Le grà,
Mindfully Marie xx
A resource of the National Centre for Technology in Education – Professional Development Service for Teachers
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
I use similar methods to those who put me down regularly eg hang up the phone, walk away. I don’t need it and they can only harming themselves if I exit 🙂
I agree Kate, great point. I think all aspects of our lives; home, school and work or socially benefit from healthy boundaries. I set class ground rules with every new group I work with and they set us up to succeed every time.
it certainly improves relationships when they know certain things are unacceptable eg don’t mind a few swear words but some can use them excessively … I limit that. There is no need and they lose the impact 🙂
You are welcome Christy and thank you for your company and sharing your experience with us. I’m glad you found a powerful solution that worked for you! Xx
Thank you Lisa, for reading and adding to the conversation. It’s difficult to be resilient when being disrespected and bullied but you are correct that not giving in to bullies is key! I hope you have more perfect postcard photos of snow scenes to share!
Thank you Bernice for summing up the frustration felt and I agree, the most difficult thing is possibly not knowing “where to start or what to to!” It’s difficult to think clearly or know where to get support when you see the impact that bullying is having on your child, leaving them emotionally distraught and isolated. I hope you have a great week ahead. X
I think kids today have it a bit tougher with regards to bullying. At the risk of sounding ‘old’ or ‘classic’ as my oldest once put it 🙂 , “Back in my time, we didn’t have that confounded portal to the outside world called the internet.” All joking aside, there is something to be said about leaving the bully behind at the school yard. Today, kids can be persecuted online and from any corner of the world. 😦
So true Mark, life was simpler in our day. Cyberbullying is a sad and damaging aspect of the internet and social media. Having boundaries around access to phones is a vital part of positive parenting.
Totally agree with Mark above. In our day you could leave your tormentors behind after school but kids now have no means of escape if they can be found on social media.
Thanks Darren for sharing your thoughts, you’ve made this very valid point before, possibly on my post ‘Social media a silent killer’ and I agree totally with you! Parents can help their children escape, to a degree, if they are firm in setting boundaries around phone access, such as, for example, no phones after 9pm or overnight.
These are some great tips Marie! I agree with Mark – it seems kids have a much harder time with bullying these days. It’s so easy for people to bully one another in this day and age of being connected all the time. It’s not just children, though – we see adults bullying one another all the time also. What a sad reflection on our world, huh? Hope you’re doing well sweet friend. Sending hugs!
Thanks Terri, I really appreciate your positive feedback! It is a very sad reality and social media has a lot to answer for! I’ve been learning about Government policy on bullying in Ireland and all schools must develop their anti-bullying policy and educate the whole school community in a prevention and intervention programme. In theory a key principle is to foster a positive school culture where difference and diversity are valued but if that is in evidence on the ground, as of yet, I am unsure! Recent radio coverage on bullying would say otherwise. Thanks for asking, I’m trying my best Terri and that’s good enough! I hope you’re doing well also. Warm Irish hugs to you!
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January 18, 2020 at 10:14 pm
very wise and succinct advise Maire, well done!
I use similar methods to those who put me down regularly eg hang up the phone, walk away. I don’t need it and they can only harming themselves if I exit 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 19, 2020 at 4:34 pm
Thanks Kate and good strategy on your part! We can all do without unwanted distress in our lives!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 20, 2020 at 7:20 am
exactly Marie and we do need to put very clear boundaries around unacceptable behaviour … it’s not on!
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January 20, 2020 at 9:37 am
I agree Kate, great point. I think all aspects of our lives; home, school and work or socially benefit from healthy boundaries. I set class ground rules with every new group I work with and they set us up to succeed every time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 20, 2020 at 5:04 pm
it certainly improves relationships when they know certain things are unacceptable eg don’t mind a few swear words but some can use them excessively … I limit that. There is no need and they lose the impact 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 20, 2020 at 10:25 pm
just sent you a link via email of a news article about bullies
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January 18, 2020 at 10:45 pm
It took me a long time to realize the most powerful response is not to reply to them at all. Thank you for this xx
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January 19, 2020 at 4:36 pm
You are welcome Christy and thank you for your company and sharing your experience with us. I’m glad you found a powerful solution that worked for you! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 19, 2020 at 12:50 am
Not giving in to them is key. Such a great post!
LikeLiked by 2 people
January 19, 2020 at 4:41 pm
Thank you Lisa, for reading and adding to the conversation. It’s difficult to be resilient when being disrespected and bullied but you are correct that not giving in to bullies is key! I hope you have more perfect postcard photos of snow scenes to share!
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January 19, 2020 at 5:20 am
😊🌸💫
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January 19, 2020 at 4:42 pm
Thank you Majaalifee!
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January 20, 2020 at 2:54 am
Great advice. Most people don’t know where to start or what to do.
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January 20, 2020 at 9:30 am
Thank you Bernice for summing up the frustration felt and I agree, the most difficult thing is possibly not knowing “where to start or what to to!” It’s difficult to think clearly or know where to get support when you see the impact that bullying is having on your child, leaving them emotionally distraught and isolated. I hope you have a great week ahead. X
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 20, 2020 at 12:45 pm
Thank you and you as well.
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January 20, 2020 at 3:20 pm
This is good info. Thanks!
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January 20, 2020 at 6:32 pm
Thank you for your feedback!
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January 22, 2020 at 11:00 am
I think kids today have it a bit tougher with regards to bullying. At the risk of sounding ‘old’ or ‘classic’ as my oldest once put it 🙂 , “Back in my time, we didn’t have that confounded portal to the outside world called the internet.” All joking aside, there is something to be said about leaving the bully behind at the school yard. Today, kids can be persecuted online and from any corner of the world. 😦
LikeLiked by 2 people
January 22, 2020 at 8:00 pm
So true Mark, life was simpler in our day. Cyberbullying is a sad and damaging aspect of the internet and social media. Having boundaries around access to phones is a vital part of positive parenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 22, 2020 at 1:21 pm
Totally agree with Mark above. In our day you could leave your tormentors behind after school but kids now have no means of escape if they can be found on social media.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 22, 2020 at 9:08 pm
Thanks Darren for sharing your thoughts, you’ve made this very valid point before, possibly on my post ‘Social media a silent killer’ and I agree totally with you! Parents can help their children escape, to a degree, if they are firm in setting boundaries around phone access, such as, for example, no phones after 9pm or overnight.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 22, 2020 at 10:00 pm
These are some great tips Marie! I agree with Mark – it seems kids have a much harder time with bullying these days. It’s so easy for people to bully one another in this day and age of being connected all the time. It’s not just children, though – we see adults bullying one another all the time also. What a sad reflection on our world, huh? Hope you’re doing well sweet friend. Sending hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 22, 2020 at 10:42 pm
Thanks Terri, I really appreciate your positive feedback! It is a very sad reality and social media has a lot to answer for! I’ve been learning about Government policy on bullying in Ireland and all schools must develop their anti-bullying policy and educate the whole school community in a prevention and intervention programme. In theory a key principle is to foster a positive school culture where difference and diversity are valued but if that is in evidence on the ground, as of yet, I am unsure! Recent radio coverage on bullying would say otherwise. Thanks for asking, I’m trying my best Terri and that’s good enough! I hope you’re doing well also. Warm Irish hugs to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 23, 2020 at 5:48 am
Great post
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 23, 2020 at 3:14 pm
Thank you, that’s appreciated!
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