How to Handle Bullying

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Adults can engage in bullying behavior toward children.

It is difficult, but important, to identify and address these behaviors.

Education to adults may help to improve awareness of this concern.

Teachers are often underappreciated and underpaid. In high school, I (EB) had the celebrated teacher and author of Angela’s Ashes (1996), Frank McCourt. And he was as good as they say, if not better. He was inspirational, built my confidence, and taught me to read and write in ways I am forever grateful for. I had less famous, but also fantastic, teachers, who inspired me to learn and grow. At the same time, I have had teachers who filled me with dread. I still remember my kindergarten teacher who, among other things, made me stand, as a 4-year-old, so that the other kids could see the “baby” because I briefly put my thumb in my mouth. Many of us harbor fondness for some of our teachers and anger towards the ones who lacked empathy, even if their behavior did not rise to the level of “abuse,” but rather was adult-sized bullying.

Teachers, and other adults in the lives of children, can treat children in ways that are hurtful. Adult observers are often reluctant to see and act on the warning signs, despite the direct and indirect impact on kids. Some of the warning signs include: insulting comments, even when couched in humor, humiliating remarks or directives, making children cry, publicly calling attention to........

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