Anthony rossetti



Assignment 1- BullyingDescribe child or adolescent behaviours reported in the media and link these to developmental theories, learning styles and sociocultural influences on learning and development.Bullying is a behaviour which is unfortunately becoming increasingly prevalent in Australian schools (Queensland Government, 2014). Bullying can be defined as “negative actions physical or verbal that have hostile intent, are repeated over time, and involve a power differential between the bully and the victim” (Pepler, Craig, Connolly, Yuile, McMaster & Jiang, 2006). The increasing problem has been reported by the media, in turn creating more awareness of the problem. When social issues gain extensive media coverage, the information released has the potential to create a “profound impact on how communities understand and address problems” (Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, 2014). Recent Australian studies have revealed that twenty seven percent of students enrolled in year’s four to nine suffered frequent bullying during a school term (Queensland Government, 2014). Characteristics of bullying are not always aggressive and demonstrated verbally or physically, although these types of behaviour seem to be more prevalent in boys. Bullying can be demonstrated in a covert manner by means of exclusion, gossiping and rumour creation (Queensland Government, 2014), also known as indirect or emotional bullying (Margulies, 2013). Studies have shown girls are more likely to bully in this concealed manner (Queensland Government, 2014). Bullying behaviours can be displayed in a variety of contexts including the school yard or classroom. Cyber bullying and the involvement of social media is also becoming more common as technology progresses and the emphasis placed on the importance of technology grows. Social networking sites, texting, email and messenger services have been proven as common modes of cyber bullying (Queensland Government, 2014). Characteristics of cyber bullying may include but are not limited to the sending and receiving of cruel videos, images, text, emails or messages, imitating or excluding peers online or partaking in vicious gossip online (Cyber Smart, 2014). The causes of bullying may be due to environmental factors, social factors or bystander factors (The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, 2013). It is thought that violence reported in the media and displayed in films and video games may be linked to violence displayed in the school yard by some students (The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, 2013). Social factors such as family breakdowns or dysfunction at home may also play a part. Bystanders of bullying are those that enable bullying behaviours or don’t intervene or report them (The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, 2013). Whilst these individuals do not cause the bullying behaviour, they do nothing to stop it (The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, 2013).When children are involved in bullying, they are affected in a negative way (Pepler, Craig, Connolly, Yuile, McMaster & Jiang, 2006). The socio-ecological model of human development identifies various areas as responsible for effects on children’s mental health and well being. Initially, the child’s family life, involvement with friends, time at school and exposure to the community play the most significant part in their development (Kids Matter, 2014). More generalised factors eventually also play a part, including cultural, social, economical and political factors (Kids Matter, 2014). When components of the socio-ecological model are not positively experienced by the child, it is highly likely that his or her mental health, ability to learn and general happiness will be affected. Within the model, a child’s time at school is acknowledged to be the “most significant developmental context for primary school aged children” (Kids Matter, 2014). Given that bullying is usually first experienced in primary school (Queensland Government, 2014), it is likely that the child’s development and learning styles will be interrupted if effected by bullying. Consequently, this disruption has the potential to effect children as they approach adolescence and emerging adulthood, as “warm, gratifying childhood and adolescent friendships are related to psychological health and competence” (Berk, 2012). The impact of bullying, irrespective of its form has been proven to be detrimental to schools and the wider school community. If a school suffers bullying systemically, the entire culture and values of the school may be undermined (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, 2013). This in turn may lead to feelings of insecurity and restlessness by students, parents and teachers alike. A lack of confidence may be felt by parents as well as a deficiency in teacher job satisfaction (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, 2013). There are many strategies that can be implemented by teachers and parents to assist children in coping with bullying at school, whilst supporting their learning and development (Kids Matter, 2014). If children are experiencing bullying at school in the form of peer rejection or physical or verbal abuse, protective factors should be practiced. Children should be assisted by the use of supportive parenting and implementation of a positive school environment (Kids Matter, 2014). Awareness and involvement by the teacher is imperative, as is the child feeling supported at all times. Positive skills that the child possesses should be highlighted and nurtured (Berk, 2012). Interventions such as coaching or encouraging participation within new teams may be beneficial (Berk, 2012). When discussing bullying of an online nature, it is important parents educate themselves in regards to social media (Cyber Smart, 2014). It is also imperative that parents highlight the dangers and risks of social media and explain the effects and consequences of inappropriate use (Cyber Smart, 2014). If children utilize social media, it is vital that parents manage and monitor their child’s online involvement and behaviour. It is clear that bullying is now a common practice in today's society. Bullying has many detrimental effects on children, teachers and parents. The consequences of bullying have the most disastrous effect on children as their time at school is vital in enabling them to develop emotionally, maintain a positive sense of self and mental health whilst learning effectively. When this is interrupted their sense of self and ability to progress and expand is threatened and unfortunately this interruption has the potential to affect the child during their later childhood, adolescence and adulthood if not managed properly. Parents and teachers play a vital role in supporting children who are victims of bullying and various strategies should be put into place to support children and limit disruption to their development and learning. The effects of cyber bullying are just as severe and therefore it should be tackled in a specific way. The current media coverage of this social problem has created heightened awareness throughout the community in recent years. Although this has been somewhat successful in understanding the issue of bullying, this prevalent problem continues to be an issue for a large number of people. It is for this reason that bullying must be further addressed to eradicate the problem once and for all, limiting disruption to childhood development in the process. ReferencesBerk, L.E. (2012). Child Development,?9th Edition, Pearson Education, Boston.Craig,W., Connolly,A., Yuile, A., McMaster, L., & Jiang,D. (2006). A Developmental Perspective on Bullying. Aggressive Behaviour, 32, 376-384. DOI: 10.1002/abCyber Smart. (2014). Cyber bullying. Retrieved from Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. (2013). The Impact of Bullying. Retrieved from: Kids Matter. (2014). Social and Emotional Learning for Students. Retrieved from Margulies. (2013). Social Development and Bullying. Retrieved from Queensland Government. (2014). Bullying and Cyber bullying Facts. Retrieved from., Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). Media Guidelines for Bullying Prevention. Retrieved from ................
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