Character education attacks bullying with forceful, clear teaching on authentic responsibility. Responsibility is not a difficult character trait. That is, it is not difficult to understand the meaning of responsibility. It is another matter entirely to accept and fulfill responsibility.
Character education attacks bullying when that education models responsibility, defines it clearly and completely, and helps young people make it their own. Educators must make responsibility desirable to students. They must show, in word and action, how to exercise responsibility consistently.
Naturally, shouting at the bully, “You need to take responsibility for your bullying actions,” is likely to get you nowhere. Bullies are likely to laugh in your face. The best response you might receive is for the bully to hang his or her head, sullenly, and continue to bully.
If, however, all of your young people are being taught responsibility, the pressure of peers will come into play. Bullies will be shown to be weak of character, and will need to change.
Character education attacks bullying best when responsibility is exercised by all concerned. Every young person needs to learn to accept the task of making interpersonal relationships run smoothly. Bullies may be the last to try with all their might to do this. Others must refuse, to the best of their ability, to give bullies attention when they practice bullying actions. Witnesses themselves often bear much fault, as they reward the bullies’ actions. Teach all young people that it is their individual responsibility to stamp out bullying. Teach them to work to the utmost of their ability to make this happen. If everyone, students and adults, accepts it as authentic responsibility, and fulfills that responsibility, bullying will soon vanish.
Three books that teach clearly, and picture responsibility are: Cubby Bear’s Big Responsibility, Lost on Superstition Mountain, and Date with Responsibility. Choose the one or ones appropriate for the age(s) with which you are working, and do all in your power to be sure your charges understand, want to be responsible, and take action.
The best building of responsibility in young lives will be accomplished as you yourself model this character trait. The very teaching of responsibility is an opportunity for you to model it. Do you believe it is important for children and teenagers to learn to take responsibility? The only way they will learn is if you take full responsibility to immerse them in a study of the trait. Work it through every part of the day. Use wall hangings on responsibility as reminders.
Adults often denude character traits of their true meanings. Only an in-depth study of responsibility will help you understand the effort entailed in this quality. Read articles such as those in the “Character Builder Newsletter” to get a feel for what is really involved. Then do everything in your power (part of the definition) to be sure your charges understand, embrace, and practice this important character trait. Do it with every ounce of ability you have. Realize the importance of this responsibility in their lives – not only while they are young, but throughout their lives.
In a future entry, we will look at compassion: another character trait that attacks bullying.
That’s the view from my chair. What’s your view?