Parents Hold Key to Reducing Bullying, Says Upcoming Speaker

Coughlin, Founder of The Protectors, a freedom-from-bullying program and movement that is used by hundreds of organizations throughout the world, including Uganda, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand among other countries, will explain the pivotal role that all parents play in diminishing what he calls the “Theater of Bullying.” But in order to do this, he says, “We have to explode the many myths that surround this growing concern, which according to a Harris Poll last year is now the number-one concern of both parents and students—surpassing illicit sexual activity, drug use and gang activity.” The most prevalent myths that surround bullying is that it is really about conflict, misunderstanding, and the inability for some to manage their anger or impulse control. “That’s not bullying,” the author and former newspaper editor says. “Bullying is really about disdain and contempt for others, which is both the language and behavior of superiority. Most bullies do not possess low self-esteem. They possess average to excessive self-esteem. Many feel great about themselves and are motivated by a sense of entitlement and sometimes narcissistic tendencies.” Statistically, he says, a person identified as a serial bully are fives times more likely to commit a felony by his or her middle 20s, and four times more likely to abuse his or her future spouse and children. “Statistically, bullies are tomorrow’s prison population. No one wants this for them, even their targets,” he says. Coughlin will explain how parents can help their children avoid being targets and the pivotal role that bystanders play in reducing bullying. “Authority alone cannot solve this problem given the predatory and secretive nature of bullying. Bystanders must stop being intimidated by bullies and become ‘Alongside Standers’ of targets, and give authority the information it needs in order to bring justice and compassion to targets, who often suffer in great silence and torment. Many adults look back on their high school years with regret that they didn’t help targets. They often feel great shame for their lack of courage. “Parents can help their children avoid this deep regret, and The Protectors will show them how.” Parents, he says, must require that their children exercise courage and do the right thing even when afraid, he says. “Otherwise this problem won’t change since most bullying is done in front of peers but not in front of authority.” And when students learn how to exercise courage, they grow their capacity for this foundational virtue, giving them more character and leadership capacity later in life. “Many believe that courage is the virtue that underpins all other virtues. So the sooner we learn how to flex it, the better our lives become.” For more information contact: [email protected] or visit www.theprotectors.org

Event Links

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2558514-0

Read More

View Less