Beating the bullies

Abstract

Discusses the problems of bullying and suggests that every school should have a policy on how to deal with it. Considers the findings of a report arising from the setting up of Childline and concludes it is necessary to establish children′s views of their experiences; avoid assumptions about bullying and use effective methods to change the behaviour of individual children and groups of children. Gives a case history of a child who was bullied and of the help given by a Childline counsellor, the strategy proved highly effective in dealing with the problem. Suggests that the problem is complex and that there are no blanket solutions; stresses that the bullies need help as well as the bullied. Proposes practical advice for those who are in a position to stop bullying and prevent it from recurring. Concludes by looking at the idea of prevention rather than cure: stresses the importance of an anti‐bullying policy for every school: how to identify it and deal with it. It is a problem that society as a whole must be made aware of and must tackle – we must all work to make it the exception rather than the rule.

Citation

Harrison, H. (1992), "Beating the bullies", Health Education, Vol. 92 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000003498