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| In My Room from the Bully Series (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
In the first installment of this series, I explained the early cases
laying the conceptual groundwork for the proposition that failure to
react to bullying can constitute a denial of FAPE under IDEA. In later installments, I have discussed the seminal decision of TK & SK ex rel LK v. New York City Dept of Educ
779 F.Supp.2d 289, 56 IDELR 228 (E.D.N.Y. 4/25/2011). This case is
important not just because it analyzes special education law
principles involving bullying, but also because it provides a
thorough review of the social science literature on bullying. You
should read this case and you can do so here.
In the next parts of this series, I will take a look at some of the points and issues raised by participants during my recent half day presentation on Bullying at the Seattle U conference. Some big issues were discussed there.
In the next parts of this series, I will take a look at some of the points and issues raised by participants during my recent half day presentation on Bullying at the Seattle U conference. Some big issues were discussed there.
In the meantime, here is more from the TK court...these are not my words:
F. Effects on Children
3. Bystander
Bullies
typically operate in front of a crowd, and the students who act as
onlookers do not escape the effects of bullying. These students, who
often watch, or even step away from the bullying actions, are more
likely to feel powerless and to be fearful at school. Macklem, supra, at 91-92. Bystanders feel as though they are incapable of controlling the situation, and thus are not themselves safe. Id. at 91.
Students
may go along with the group in the bullying behavior out of fear that
if they were to speak up they might lose their space within the peer
group and open themselves up to be the next victim. Id. As time
goes on, if bullying persists at a high level, bystanders become
desensitized and are less willing to step in to prevent the harassment. Id.
Been a while since I was near a computer to check in. Anyway, I think it’s interesting what seeing onlookers do nothing can do to the victim as well. It implies a sense of helplessness, that no one cares to help, and that’s damaging, at least from what I saw growing up. I think the worst feeling, as an onlooker, is guilt. As in, “what if I had assisted?”
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah,
ReplyDeleteWe always appreciate your comments.
JG