A Catholic Educator Response to Bullying
Notes by Cynthia Cox
1 in 7 school children bullied/afraid to go to school
3 types of bullying – physical, emotional, relational (boys more physical, girls more relational/emotional, but there is crossover in both)
Definition of bullying- think "RIP" – Repeated, Intentional, Power-Based
Three components: bully, target, bystanders
There is both learned bully behavior AND learned victim behavior
When bystanders become "defenders" instead – bullying is almost always reduced or eliminated, bullies cannot succeed without tacit "approval" of the group
Rarely are defending behaviors ineffective when coming from peers
Increase empathy for the target/victim
Value defender efforts
Get "high value" peers to lead
Christ-centered: Scripture-based, Inclusive, Formative not Corrective, Compassionate not Punitive
Must include help/empathy for bully as well as target
Christ as model for leadership/Dignity for all/Pure of Heart
Follow Christ's teachings for social justice
Build community/reconcile injustices/compassion and forgiveness
Importance and power of prayer/purity of heart
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