Today’s piece was prepared by Abigail Grant, MD, based on ...
Today’s piece was prepared by Abigail Grant, MD, based on a Newsweek Magazine story entitled “Can Schools Teach Empathy? Why programs aiming to prevent bullying and help kids learn compassion may be fighting an uphill battle.”
This article examines the effectiveness of programs to reduce bullying at school. The Roots of Empathy program is currently being used in Seattle area schools and focuses on emotional identification and perspective in order to encourage children to take action against bullying. The author writes that determining the effectiveness of anti-bullying programs is challenging as many of the outcomes including kindness and empathy are difficult to measure. Two studies reportedly showed only a modest decrease in bullying incidents after children received anti-bullying training. Additionally, the author highlights the findings of a professor of educational and counseling psychology who showed a significant decrease in bullying among Roots of Empathy students. The article also notes the important role pediatricians can play by teaching parents emotional literacy to model for their children as a means of reducing bullying.
Horrific bullying stories along with new ideas to combat bullying are frequently heard on the news. This article questions the effectiveness of anti-bullying programs but does not provide enough details about the studies or citations for the reader to reach his or her own conclusion. By reporting that many programs have only a modest impact, the reader may believe they are not worthwhile. The success of Roots of Empathy is asserted without direct evidence given to support this notion such as a head-to-head study comparing various programs. The article also fails to mention that other studies have shown that bullying among certain racial or ethnic groups is significantly decreased following anti-bullying campaigns. The article appropriately emphasizes the importance of parental, physician and school involvement to reduce aggression and violence at school.
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES & EDUCATORS ON BULLYING:
• Kids Against Bullying Minnesota advocacy agency ”PACER” with bullying emphasis
• Eyes On Bullying Non-profit agency, with toolkit and other resources
• Stop Bullying Health Resources & Services Administration site. Uses cartoon scenarios to identify, prevent and intervene
And that’s today’s Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics: IN THE NEWS!
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