Jay McGraw's Life Strategies for Dealing with Bullies

Jay McGraw's Life Strategies for Dealing with Bullies
By: Jay McGraw
Published: 2008
ISBN: 978-1416974734
Non-Fiction

Bullying has becoming an increasingly major problem in and out of schools. On the internet, on playgrounds, and in schools across the country, thousands of elementary and middle school kids are picked on, teased, and harassed by bullies. Bullying is something that can jeopardize a child's development, emotionally, mentally, and socially. However, having the tools and support to help stop bullying, will encourage their development and a easier childhood. In Jay McGraw's Life Strategies for Dealing with Bullies, McGraw helps kids identify potentially harmful situations and deal with bullies through tips, techniques, and examples that apply to real-life situations. McGraw’s approach is to have parents become a part of the solution be reading his book first, then having their child read the book and as a team the two discuss bullying and how the child will handle the issue. Jay doesn't just speak about the bullies -- he also speaks to the bullies themselves to help them change their ways. McGraw includes Journal Exercises to encourage the in depth thinking and enhance the lesson being taught. I did like how McGraw describes the many different examples and types of bullying and not all are as obvious as others. I was surprised in his approach that teachers, administrator and other adults should be accountable for bullying that occurs on school grounds, but as a school librarian much of the bullying occurs away from adult supervision and the victims are often to afraid to talk with adults. He did, however include a section on how children can communicate with adults.