Bullying vs. Conflict
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If You Read Nothing Else Read This!
Every push, shove, tease and taunt does not equate to a Bullying situation. Believe me, I know this is a sensitive area, but it is important for parents, teachers and students to understand that there is a different between bullying and conflict. Bullying differs from conflict primarily because “conflict involves antagonism among two or more people. Whereas any two people can have a conflict (or a disagreement or a fight,) bullying occurs where there is a power imbalance, where one child has a hard time defending himself or herself.” www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov. Bullying is a form of victimization, not to be confused with conflict.
It is ‘normal’ for peer conflict to occur. In fact, students need some conflict in their lives in order to better understand their own feelings, become empathetic, develop appropriate responses to difficult situation, work on anger management and learn proper behavioral responses in sync with the time and place of the conflict (ie: playground, cafeteria, grandma’s house, the dinner table, a restaurant, a sporting event etc.)
I will be providing several character education lessons that center around the subtle, yet important concept of “tattling vs. telling.” Kids who tattle on each other often are often motivated by getting the other person in trouble. They often tattle on behaviors that are less critical – “Joey keeps LOOKING at me!” Telling, however, should involve more important things such as dangerous, destructive or immoral behavior. The intent should be to keep yourself or someone else out of harms way or out of trouble.
That being said, Washington Township School District does not tolerate any behavior that is ‘mean intentioned’ – even when it is not considered bullying. Respect for all (peers, staff, administration, teachers, bus drivers, parents, guests, volunteers and above all self) is the over riding theme of every character education lesson and is tied into small group counseling and even individual counseling and is reinforced by all school staff. Students with respect - listen, keep unkind thoughts to themselves, speak kindly to teachers and others, play fairly and wait their turn, raise their hands before talking, say please and thank you, clean up after themselves, share and care for themselves in body (hygiene) and spirit (emotionally.)
Washington Township School District practices the “Golden Rule” – Treat others as you wish to be treated – and students and staff are encouraged and rewarded for treating others with dignity and respect. |