As a speech-language pathologist dedicated to creating great outcomes for children, understanding and combating school bullying is essential. The research article "Combating School Bullying through Developmental Guidance for Positive Youth Development and Promoting Harmonious School Culture" by Hui et al. (2011) provides a comprehensive approach to addressing this pervasive issue. Here, we delve into the key findings and practical applications for practitioners in the field.
Understanding School Bullying
School bullying is defined as intentional, oppressive behavior causing physical or psychological harm, typically repeated over time. It includes physical, verbal, social exclusion, and extortion behaviors. The detrimental effects of bullying extend to victims, bullies, and bystanders, impacting their academic, social, emotional, mental, and physical health.
Developmental Guidance: A Holistic Approach
Developmental guidance is a proactive approach that facilitates whole-person development, addressing self-knowledge, self-responsibility, and interpersonal relationships. This approach, as opposed to remedial or preventive guidance, contributes significantly to the holistic development of students, making it an effective measure in promoting healthy development and preventing juvenile delinquency.
Positive Youth Development (PYD)
PYD focuses on developing adolescents' strengths, competencies, and social connections through a planned curriculum. The goals of PYD align with developmental guidance, emphasizing strength and competence to combat issues like bullying. Key elements of successful PYD programs include fostering bonding, prosocial involvement, emotional, moral, social, and behavioral competence.
Practical Applications for Practitioners
To implement the findings of this research, practitioners can adopt the following strategies:
- Classroom-Based Interventions: Incorporate antibullying curriculum within regular guidance programs to enhance students' understanding and skills in handling bullying.
- Whole-School Approach: Develop and communicate a comprehensive antibullying policy involving staff, pupils, and parents to foster a positive school climate.
- Teacher and Peer Support: Train teachers and peers to provide support and mediation, enhancing the school's social support system.
- Promoting Forgiveness and Harmony: Introduce forgiveness as a coping strategy and integrate values of harmony and non-violence into the school's ethos.
Encouraging Further Research
While this research provides a robust framework, continuous evaluation and adaptation of antibullying programs are necessary. Practitioners are encouraged to conduct further research and share findings to contribute to the collective understanding and effectiveness of these interventions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Combating School Bullying through Developmental Guidance for Positive Youth Development and Promoting Harmonious School Culture.
