The Bully, The Bullied and the Bystander - Book Report/Review Example

Running Head: The bully, the bullied, and the bystander, a Book review A Book Review on Bullying: The Bully, The Bullied and the Bystander University/College Professor Course Abstract Bullying is a significant issue that can affect the development of a person. The study undertaken is a review of the book written by Barbara Coloroso entitled The Bully, the Bullied and the Bystander. It tackles the issue on bullying which involves the responsibility and participation in the effects or resolution of the issue. The book addresses the point of views of the different groups involved in bullying. The Book Review on Bullying The issue on bullying is one of the most significant concerns in relation to the violence in the environment of the children and school kids. It is related to the increasing cases of school violence, thus, it is considered as one of the problems that are needed to be given attention by the school authorities, social authorities, and the parents. Specifically, the resolution of the problem is related to the need to give the children a sense of security in the society especially in the school vicinity (US Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services, 2009). The problematic effects of bullying are targeted by the work of Barbara Coloroso entitled The Bully, the Bullied and the Bystander. The book serves as guidance for parents and teachers to prevent or to hinder the ‘cycle of violence’ attributed to bullying in school from preschool through high school. The main objectives of the study then include the review of the primary focus of the book and the analysis of the message conveyed by the author through the context. Another aim is the determination of the relationship of the concepts presented by the author to the aspects of child development in terms of the cognitive, emotional and social development aspects. The Issues Presented in the Book The book presented solutions that can be applied to resolve the problems related to bullying which can affect the majority of the children in school. This undertaken through the view of the different groups involved, thus, the title The Bully, the Bullied and the Bystander. The book can be considered integration of the research conducted by the author and the expertise in conflict resolution, reconciliatory justice and parenting education (Coloroso, 2009). Based on the said credentials the author, it is logical why she had been encouraged to pursue the issue related to bullying and its dangers. In the book, the author compared the concept of bullying to a tragic play wherein roles are taken and performed at home, in school and other social places that ultimately result in negative effects or even tragic outcome to the people or the groups involved namely the bully, the bullied and the bystander. Coloroso described the appearances, the posture and the manner of speech and action of the three groups (Coloroso, 2009). This represents a thorough investigation on the part of the author, since the components of the concept are needed to analytically and philosophically analyzed. Included in the explanation of the characteristics of each role are the types, the causes, the indications and the possible ways of changing for the better. In the first part specifically Chapters 1 through 4, each role is discussed, defined and explained. “The bully” is a person who actively performs hostile acts. The dangers can be attributed to the ‘imbalance of power, intent to harm, threat for further aggression and escalation of the bullying.’ The author expressed that bullying can be reinforced on the basis of the perceived benefits toward the bully such as ‘sense of entitlement in terms of control and domination over others; intolerance for differences; and liberty to exclude people judged as unworthy’ (Coloroso, 2009). The chapter can be considered thorough in the discussion of the different indications. This is important to be able to improve the awareness of the teachers and the parents, thus, prevent the escalation of bullying or violence. One of the most important parts in the discussion of the bully is the presentation of the ways to stop bullying because this is considered to guide the authorities in resolving issues and correcting the ways of the bully. Included in the ways are the application of proper discipline; the setting up of ‘do good’ opportunities; cultivation of empathy; friendship skills education; guidance in different activities such as computer games and movies; encouragement of productive activities; and development of the capability to ‘will good’ (Coloroso, 2009). The role being taken by the ‘bullied’ can be considered as the most destructive in terms of psychological and emotional well being because the bullied is the target of all the negativity coming from the bully. There are observable indications that can serve as warning signs but the child tries to hide them due to shame, fear or other reasons considered negative to himself and to the interaction with peers (Coloroso, 2009). The focus given to the bullied child is important to be able to prevent the development of negative and vengeful attitudes. The author presented helpful insights on the ways that are needed to be undertaken. By showing support to the bullied child, explaining that the fault is not theirs, generating a solution and reporting to the school authorities, the bullying can be stopped and the child can develop normal social skill which is hindered in scenarios of bullying (Coloroso, 2009). In the work of the author, one of the most significant concepts is the importance being given to the role of the bystanders. Coloroso presented that bystanders have active participation in bullying. Although they do not take part in the actual process of bullying, the bystanders have the power to either encourage or hinder bullying. This can be attributed to the fact that silence or idle reaction of the bystanders can be translated as support. Thus, according to the author, expression of disagreement with the behavior of the bullies is important to hinder bullying. In addition, cooperative action of the bystanders against the bully can empower the individuals and prevent bullying (Coloroso, 2009). The second part of the book presents scenarios at home that can encourage bullying that are needed to be changed to be able to improve the attitude of the children. In addition, the ways of involving the community in the process of solving problems on bullying, e.g. through the school and different institutions (Coloroso, 2009). These chapters presented the case scenarios and the resolutions on bullying which can help the readers visualize and realize the appropriate actions needed to be undertaken. Effects of Bullying to Child Development Bullying can affect the different aspects of development of a child regardless of the role he or she is playing. It can then be considered that by trial and error through time a child can find himself in any of the roles either due to his own choice or the opinion of others. In relation to the said view, the author stressed that children can interchange roles that it is important to know how to address each role and resolve the problems that can be related. This is the least negative effect that can happen because as the author presented, worst case scenarios can even lead to suicide, especially in ages 12 to 14. This is an indication of the detrimental effects on the emotional and social development (Coloroso, 2009). Based on studies undertaken, the cognitive aspect is also affected when the emotional and social development is affected. Depression which can be considered as one of the long term effects of bullying can initially be observed through cognitive difficulties such as learning (Dombeck, 2007; Kids Development, 2010). Conclusion The book by Barbara Coloroso entitled The Bully, the Bullied and the Bystander is an important contribution to the resources related to bullying. Through the information presented in the book, information can be disseminated and people can have more knowledge on how to recognize and resolve cases of bullying that can affect young members of the family and community especially the school children. References Coloroso, B. (2009). The Bully, the Bullied and the Bystander. New York: Harper Paperbacks. Dombeck, M. (2007). The Long Term Effects of Bullying. Retrieved February 25, 2010, from http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=13057 Kids Development (2010). Effects of Bullying on Tweens and Teens. Retrieved February 25, 2010, from http://www.kidsdevelopment.co.uk/effects-bullying-tweens-teens.html US Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (2009). Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Problem-Specific Guides Series No.12: Bullying in Schools. US DOJ COPS. Retrieved February 25, 2010, from http://www.popcenter.org/problems/bullying/ Read More