Bullying Solutions: evidence-based approaches to bullying in Australian schools

Helen McGrath & Toni Noble (ed)

Pearson Longman, Australia: 2006; 283pp

ISBN: 0733971644

Genres: education, factual text, information text, non-fiction, sociology

Issues: bullying

Bullying is a difficult issue in our society, nowhere more so than in our schools, where studies show that 19% of students report being bullied in some way on a weekly basis.

The National Coalition Against Bullying (NACB) is working to research effective ways to change that negative culture. Bullying Solutions looks at research from Australia and overseas and examines a number of prevention programs in terms of their effectiveness. Over and over again studies demonstrate that bullying is a complex social problem that can only be reduced through long-term, structured educational programs that examine and model positive social relationships and provide individuals with strategies to use if they become the target of or are witness to bullying behaviour. Every study clearly demonstrates that the effectiveness of prevention programs is significantly influenced by the level of teacher involvement in and commitment to the program and their empathy with the targets of bullying. Positive adult models, in other words, are highly influential.

Thought-provoking, yet optimistic, Bullying Solutions has been put together by psychologists and educators who are passionate about reducing the prevalence of bullying in our schools, knowing that this will eventually lead to more positive workplaces and home environments. This is an easy to read text that answers important questions without simplifying the problem.

Make sure your school has a copy of this book. Ask your school what they are doing in terms of prevention programs. Encourage the school community to become educated about bullying and responses to it. Only if everyone becomes involved can we change a culture that has moved beyond our schools and into our workplaces.