We often talk about bullying as an abuse of power—sometimes at work, sometimes at school—depending on age. Unfortunately, we see many children being bullied by their peers on the schoolyard. We all agree that this isn’t right, but at the same time, they’re just kids, so we make excuses for them. “They’re too young to understand.” “They don’t know what they’re saying.”
But what about when a teacher bullies a child? Let’s face it: in every workplace there’s a scapegoat, and unfortunately, this happens in schools too—not just among peers. Since it’s a teacher, it isn’t seen as bullying. But you know, that child who’s always being scolded—the one the teacher insists on punishing because he’s too “rowdy”—well, sometimes that child becomes the target of his friends’ bullying because they see how the teacher treats him.
This so-called “restless” child actually just needs to be engaged. For him, having things repeated 4–5 times is pointless. After just once, he’s already understood. This child gets bored in class, which is why he talks, moves around, and disrupts the class. This child doesn’t necessarily need medication, to be seen by specialists, etc. Unfortunately, this child is told to stop or face consequences, such as being denied recess—which this high-energy child really needs in order to pay better attention in class.
Fortunately, some teachers have the patience and “tricks” to work with these children, helping them develop at their own pace. Every child is different, and yet they’re all expected to fit into the same mold for school.
You, the teacher who would like to have a quiet classroom—maybe you’re in the wrong profession. Remember what you were like as a child; assess your students, try to understand them, and adapt to them. The child you take the time to get to know and adapt to will be happy to go to school. As a result, they’ll listen to you instead of defying you and crying every night when they get home.
Bullying is everywhere; it’s not a matter of field of work, gender, age, or nationality. No matter who we are, let’s take the time to open our eyes, recognize it, and take action.