In Demand – Anti Bullying Expert Speaker

Anti Bullying Expert Jim Jordan

NEWS ARTICLE

NEWS ARTICLE- Sept. 14, 2009

by Rob Siebert

BULLYING EXPERT SAYS BYSTANDERS HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY

If you ask Jim Jordan, school bullying is like a campfire.
The president of Reportbullying.com, a group of professionals dedicated to putting a stop to bullying, said exactly that Monday to students and parents in Pleasantdale Elementary District 107.

Metaphorically speaking, bullies are the fire’s igniting spark, the victims are the fuel for the flame. But it’s the bystanders, the students who stand back and let the bullying occur, that serve as the oxygen that allows the flame to grow.
In that sense, the students who allow the harassment to occur are just as to blame as the bully, he said.

“If we are the oxygen that feeds the bully, we become complicit, which means we become guilty,” Jordan said.

Jordan, a Niagara Falls  native who also worked as a clown for 25 years, mixed silly with serious for the students, performing magic tricks and hosting game show-type scenarios designed to teach his audience about responsibility, integrity and respect.

As an example, he told a story about girl with whom he exchanged e-mails. For two years, this girl had been picked on by three other girls. All the while, a group of six other girls stood by and allowed it to happen.
Then one day, as the victim was being mercilessly harassed by the three bullies, the six girls decided enough was enough, and told the principal. Their actions stopped the bullying immediately.
“The girl told me in her e-mail that she was never bullied by those three girls again,” Jordan said.
Jordan emphasized the students, the bystanders, are the ones with the true power when it comes to bullying, and the offender and the victim are only part of the equation.
“Where schools go wrong is they think they have a bullying program because they’re dealing with the bully and the victim,” Jordan said.
Kim Freislinger, assistant principal at Pleasantdale Middle School, said Jordan’s presentation was meant to show them the right thing to do when a teacher isn’t around.
“I think often students at this age are conflicted about situations when their peers are involved,” Freislinger

 

The Importance of Hiring an Expert in Bullying for Schools

Bullying is a complex issue that requires a nuanced and informed approach to effectively address and prevent. Hiring an expert in bullying can significantly enhance a school’s ability to create a safe and supportive environment for all students. Here’s why bringing in a specialist is so important:

Expertise and Knowledge

In-Depth Understanding:

• Bullying experts possess a deep understanding of the various forms of bullying, including physical, verbal, social, and cyberbullying. Their expertise allows them to identify subtle signs of bullying that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Research-Based Strategies:

• Experts stay updated with the latest research and best practices in bullying prevention and intervention. They can implement evidence-based strategies that are proven to be effective in reducing bullying incidents.

Comprehensive Assessment

Identifying Issues:

• A bullying expert can conduct thorough assessments to identify the specific bullying issues within a school. This includes understanding the dynamics between students, the prevalence of different types of bullying, and the effectiveness of current policies.

Tailored Solutions:

• Based on their assessments, experts can develop customized programs and interventions that address the unique needs of the school community. This tailored approach ensures that the strategies are relevant and effective.

Training and Professional Development

Educating Staff:

• Experts provide training for teachers, administrators, and support staff on how to recognize, prevent, and respond to bullying. This professional development is crucial for creating a consistent and informed approach across the school.

Empowering Students:

• Bullying experts also work directly with students, teaching them about the impact of bullying and empowering them to stand up against it. Programs that involve peer support and bystander intervention can be particularly effective.

Policy Development and Implementation

Creating Effective Policies:

• Experts can help schools develop comprehensive anti-bullying policies that clearly define bullying behaviors, outline reporting procedures, and establish consequences for bullying. These policies provide a framework for consistent and fair handling of bullying incidents.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that anti-bullying initiatives are effective. Experts can design and implement evaluation tools, such as surveys and focus groups, to measure the impact of the programs and make necessary adjustments.

Providing Support and Resources

Support for Victims and Perpetrators:

• Bullying experts can offer support services for both victims and perpetrators of bullying. This includes counseling, conflict resolution, and social skills training, which are essential for addressing the underlying issues and promoting positive behavior.

Community Engagement:

• Engaging the broader community, including parents and local organizations, is crucial for a holistic approach to bullying prevention. Experts can facilitate workshops and community meetings to raise awareness and foster a collaborative effort.

Conclusion

Hiring an expert in bullying is a vital step for schools committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment. Their specialized knowledge, ability to conduct comprehensive assessments, provide targeted training, develop effective policies, and offer ongoing support makes them invaluable in the fight against bullying. By leveraging the expertise of a bullying specialist, schools can implement more effective and sustainable anti-bullying initiatives, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to learn and thrive in a supportive setting.

 

 

---