Teachers are Witnessing Bullying and are Remaining Silent!

"Too many teachers remain silent, ignoring signs in hallways, in computer labs and in other school spaces to allow bullying to flourish. What is not taught is as important as what is taught to students. The silence influences, informs and instructs. The silent curriculum becomes as important as the learned curriculum:  Ending the Silence:  Bullying in the Curriculum by PATRICK FINNESSY 2009

 

Two years ago there was an article posted to the website of American Association of School Administrators discussing teachers roles in school bullying.  This article was written well before  the devastating streaks of bullying induced suicides that made international news.  Written by Patrick Finnessy, the piece defines bullying, harassment and cyberbullying and stresses  the escalation in physical violence and the devastating effects on the  bullied victim.


Teacher Actions Finnessy states there are  school district policies being instituted in various states across the country.   However Finnessy writes that  school districts are "feebly attempting to adopt those polices into the schools." Those polices are made to prohibit bullying, harassment and cyberbullying.  But here is the problem:  Many kids don't tell their parents they are being bullied and even if they do it is up to the teachers and administrators to respond.  So, states Finnessy, the teachers must respond in "loco parentis" [which means in place of a parent]. Finnessy writes," Few parents would allow their child to be bullied, and educators must address the legal responsibility and take on some of the functions of a parent in regard to physical and emotional safety."

In present time there has been many outside programs addressing bullying.  But the question is are educators actually taking steps within the confines of their respective school to educate students to stop bullying. Finnessy states  teachers can be instrumental in diminishing bullying if they, the teachers give voice that they are aware of it too.

Too much propaganda has been thrown at  students at being a silent bystander  however the problem may not be the students but the teachers according to Finnessy.  Finessy writes, "Too many teachers remain silent, ignoring signs in hallways, in computer labs and in other school spaces to allow bullying to flourish. What is not taught is as important as what is taught to students. The silence influences, informs and instructs. The silent curriculum becomes as important as the learned curriculum."