Abusive Behavior Will No Longer Be Tolerated
Newswise — University at Buffalo education professor in the university’s new center to prevent bullying and school violence, Janice DeLucia-Waack, sees the Department of Education’s recent nationwide letter urging educators to combat bullying in their schools as a strong and significant message that this abusive behavior will no longer be tolerated, according to a University at Buffalo education professor instrumental.
“This letter indicates that the Department of Education is directing schools to clearly and significantly address the issues of bullying and student harassment,” says Janice DeLucia-Waack, associate professor in Department of Counseling School and Educational Psychology.
“What makes most sense is establishing a clear code of conduct that states positive respectful behavior is expected, and also outlines what is bullying and harassment – as well as stating clear consequences for those behaviors.”
DeLucia-Waack says it is not clear there is a dramatic increase in bullying and student harassment. However, the use of technology, as in the case of the Rutgers student who committed suicide after he was harassed on the Internet, shows technology is a factor in bullying that was not present years ago.
“Proactive education to help all students develop empathy, respect and social skills is the key to prevention and effective remediation of bullying.”
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