8 Keys to End Bullying: Strategies for Parents & Schools

Whitson (Friendship and Other Weapons) gives parents and educators an excellent set of tools to help young people deal with bullying, with “specific, clear, helpful guidelines… on how to intervene in effective ways.” Whitson begins by defining bullying as “intentionally aggressive behavior, repeated over time, that involves an imbalance of power,” carefully distinguishing it from behavior that is simply rude or mean. She distinguishes between varieties of bullying, from physical and verbal violence, relational abuse (like spreading rumors) and withdrawal of friendship to cyberbullying. While warning that there is no easy solution, she suggests “small, powerful acts” in an ongoing campaign to prevent bullying. Whitson goes beyond the expected with the rest of the seven keys, providing exercises, questions to consider, and practical strategies to help victims, bystanders, and even bullies. She devotes a chapter to changing the entire culture of a school via “social and emotional learning” because parents and teachers must be ready to provide powerful support. A necessary read for parents and teachers. (May)