Addressing the #bullying problem starts with adults
Editor's note: October is National Bullying Prevention Month. It was created to raise awareness about bullying prevention. This post brings attention to a problem that we sometimes forget or are too uncomfortable to discuss. Bullying does not discriminate based on age. If you know better, you can do better. Don't sit by and watch on, stand up and speak out when you notice someone is the target of bullying.
Educators and parents constantly discuss the nature of bullying. Despite the intensity of the focus on children, do we, as adults, focus adequately on our own social behavior?
I was recently the target of bullying.
While this behavior was upsetting, the reaction of those who were drawn into the situation was even more revealing. The bullying problem so prevalent in school years, often carries on into adult years with little thought given to it because, after all, these are adults. Adults however are the very people who often work with or have children. If adults can’t navigate right from wrong, is it any wonder that this is such a problem with youth today?
While this behavior was upsetting, the reaction of those who were drawn into the situation was even more revealing. The bullying problem so prevalent in school years, often carries on into adult years with little thought given to it because, after all, these are adults. Adults however are the very people who often work with or have children. If adults can’t navigate right from wrong, is it any wonder that this is such a problem with youth today?
The story
I’ve organized women’s volleyball for many years. It’s how I stay in shape, and it’s a necessary relief from my demanding day job. Not long ago, a tall, athletic player (who also actively works with youth), about a decade younger than I, joined the group.
This player was frustrated when losing to a middle aged, 5’3 woman (me). This frustration escalated to the point where having her against me on the court became a tension-filled, unpleasant experience for all present.
Three classic bullying signs were displayed:
1. Admonishment
Bullying is generally defined as an attempt to coerce someone through intimidation that's not limited to physica