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Stop Bullying Before It Starts
June 21, 2012
They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.
-Andy Warhol
"Bullying can exist when a power gap between children is not recognized and resolved with adult support.  A hurtful preschool behavior can become a pattern of bullying only when it is repeated, intense, and targeted," observes Betsy Evans in her Exchange article (May/June 2012), "What Adults Can Do to Stop Hurtful Preschool Behavior Before It Becomes a Pattern of Bullying."  At the conclusion of her article Evans offers these strategies for preventing bullying by young children:

  1. Understand the difference between a pattern of bullying and predictable preschool behaviors.

  2. Avoid general directives such as “Let’s all be friends” and “Be nice.”

  3. Problem solve when there are conflicts or hurtful comments.

  4. Set limits on any intimidating behaviors and follow up with positive interactions.

  5. Recognize hurtful behaviors that are intense and repeated as a possible red flag that children need more attention to the reasons behind their behaviors and provide consistent problem-solving guidance as they learn to express their feelings constructively.

  6. Eliminate bullying by adults: examine adult behaviors for the use of yelling, shaming, threatening, and/or punishing in interactions with young children.

 

 

Editor's Note: The Wednesday, June 20 EED title was incorrect.  It should have been "Defending the Early Years".  The contest for promoting ExchangeEveryDay will be announced next week.  We apologize for the confusion this error may have caused.






 

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Comments (3)

Displaying All 3 Comments
Stacy · June 22, 2012
Fillmore, Calif, United States


I worked with a bully (both of us were preschool teachers). They are all ages and sometimes I believe it is built in (personality), no amount of 'positive attention' or redirecting will help. They are just mean, bottom line. This does not mean one should try all methods to detour the behavior. But call it like it is, I am sick of being 'politically correct" and tippy toeing around everything.

streeta · June 21, 2012
United States


What about when bullying involves kids to adults like in the newest case of the middle schoolers bullying the elderly bus monitor?? I wish that adults could be in control of this behavior but I'm not so sure. I agree trying to educate in the preschool setting is very important but if it doesn't continue throughout their life, particularly at home, we are in big trouble!!

Lynne Brown · June 21, 2012
Abor. Infant Family Development Program
Prince George, B.C., Canada


Bullying can be an issue at all stages of a child's development.
A wonderful Canadian organization called Roots of Empathy developed by Mary Gordon, emphasizes pro-social behaviour and the development of empathy in children to support children in accepting others. This especially speaks to the bystander who often does not know what to do when witnessing bullying.
Roots of Empathy brings a baby into the school classroom with the parent where students witness the unconditional attachment between parent/baby and where they can learn empathy/child development/love towards this baby. For Preschool/Daycare age the program is called Seeds of Empathy through the same organization.
Have a look at the website at www.rootsofempathy.org
Wonderful program!



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