In the publication Education Week, Debra Viadero wrote:
“Research now suggests that bullies, their victims, bystanders, parents, teachers, and other adults in the building are all part of an ecology in schools that can either sustain or suppress bullying behaviors. And finding a solution to the problem requires a similarly broad, multilevel response . . . .
The solution is not as simple as having a program for the school. It is not as simple as blaming it on the bullies home life, or it is just the way kids are. It is not as simple as having rules, laws and punishments or zero tolerance policies. It is really about what the culture of the community is about.
Every child needs at least 3 adults that are a part of their life in a significant way. But if all of the adults do not demonstrate caring and respectful attitudes both towards the students and each other, bullying will never end. If our students see the adults in their life use their power, intimidation and anger to get their way, it will be impossible for the students to live their life in a different manner.
What this means to us is that this is not easy. All of us are responsible and determine whether bullying will continue in our schools and community or not. Yes we are either a part of the problem or a part of the solution.
Tags: "adult bullying", "bullying solutions", balanced life skills, bullying
