Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Bullying: Responses and Solutions


(Sunday and Monday's posts about this topic are listed below today's feature.)

 Bulling: Responses and Solutions - Part 1

 No one is an expert on this topic, including me. So, today's post is hardly meant to provide definitive "answers". Surely there is value in remaining open to what other people have to say. Read what I've written and move forward from there:

 1. Listen to what people are saying

 Never disregard what anyone (child, or adult) reports about this topic. If someone says that bullying has taken place, pass no initial judgments. Yes, you will have to make some type of decision in these instance. But, initially you need to be compassionate and start to gather facts.

 2. Ask, but don't interrogate

 It's very challenging to be the victim of bullying and then have to prove it through verbal explanations. No one is capable of being objective about himself, or herself, which can make relaying this type of information very hard. 

 Be gentle when you ask someone questions about the incident(s). It probably won't be a linear conversation and you need to be prepared for that.

 3. Seek outside help in every instance if you are the victim, or if you are the one who is receiving a report about bullying

 Victims: Never keep this topic to yourself. Talk to a trusted individual about this matter, or about any other matter that's of importance to you, as soon as possible. You are never alone and defending yourself is your right.

 Report Receivers: Don't feel that you must solve the problem on your own. Regardless of your own experience level in handling these issues, asking other people (be they family members, co-workers, etc.) for assistance in responding to these situations is strongly advisable. 

 Bullying: Part 1 

Bullying has always existed. The convergence of many events, including the modern family structure, the litigious land we live in, a focus on personal feelings, desensitized developing brains, a perception that there are no consequences in life, in addition to other factors, are linked to the issue that is known as bullying.

Let me be clear: Anyone (child, or adult) who threatens violence against another human being is guilty of “bullying” that person. Anyone who joins with others to do the same has participated in group bullying behavior. Obviously, committing an act of violence against another person is a crime (to varying degrees under the law).

Bullying can be delivered in-person, or through a virtual world.

All of these incidents must be prevented (if possible), stopped during the process, or resolved.

I have a zero-tolerance policy in my classroom in this regard for all legitimate bullying issues. And legitimate is the key subjective word to keep in mind. More will be offered about this important topic within this digital space tomorrow.
Bullying: Part 2

There are many children who are being (or have been) conditioned to become overly sensitive. Parents/family members/guardians, etc. who don't have adequate parenting skills (or who are honestly developing these skills) and educators who are encouraging children to become professional “tattletales” are adding to the confusion that surrounds this issue.

I completely understand and value the intent of the authority figures who I've just mentioned. Their feelings are genuine. But, these individuals are clearly in the early stages of forming their thoughts and resultant reactions regarding this developing social issue.

Serious problems must be recognized and dealt with. Ignoring bullying reports is negligent and shouldn't be tolerated. But, honest problems are undercut whenever people inadvertently (or intentionally) make thin, or false claims. This aspect of the bullying issue can't be denied and represents one of the more challenging aspects to an already complex topic.  

Time will be needed before our society can come to grips with what has come to be referred to as "bullying". Everyone who cares about solutions and honesty will remain open-minded and flexible as they  relentlessly pursue justice for true victims and don't back down from those occasions where education about this issue is warranted.  
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Digital Creation


Writing my brief eBook was enjoyable. Making it available to the public by publishing it was exciting.  

A strong thank you to everyone who has been downloading: 
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Philadelphia Flyers' Legends

Each of these Flyers' legends (Brian Propp, Dave Poulin and Tim Kerr) deserved their own article. So, that's why these three features were written...

Here is a link to the story about Propp: 

The link to Poulin's piece: 
Philadelphia Flyers' Captain Dave Poulin Earned Permanent Respect

Last, but not least, here's Kerr's link:
Philadelphia Flyers' Tim Kerr Was a True Power Forward
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Classic headline: Those great hockey cards
Nothing topped the meaning that these hockey cards still hold. Here is the special feature that still ranks among the most-read articles that I've written since 2011: 
Topps Hockey Card Mystery is Revealed.
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I'm truly humbled that all of my online features have combined to generate millions of documented hits since I first began my digital adventure on Labor Day, 2010. Thank you to all readers.
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Name-dropper 
These are some of the high achievers I've had the opportunity to interview...
Not just sports though...
My recent feature: State of the Union Address: Commonsense Gun Response Warranted was written in response to an assignment from the Yahoo News editorial team after the President of the United States gave his address. 
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Baseball cards
Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away. 
Here is my special feature that highlights many of our collective childhood memories:  When Baseball Cards were King.
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Classic Headline Topic: MMA Phenomena
Here is my most recent feature article about a live XFE Cage Wars event that I attended. I encourage fans of any sport to attend one of these events when you can. The excitement of the crowd and the efforts of the fighters will earn your admiration. 
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