Gender, Bullying, and Harassment: Strategies to End Sexism and Homophobia in Schools

Dossier

CyberBullying Subscribe

Have you ever been bullied? Perhaps 'teased' to the point of discomfort? It might be a common phenomenon--particularly during the teenage years-- but it is never a positive experience and often leads to deep distress in the victim.

With the advent of social networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Instant Messaging and the like, bullying has found a new breeding ground, hence the term Cyberbullying. There is much debate about its effects--how dangerous it is, whether it is worse than face-to-face bullying, how it can be stopped or prevented, and how common it is in the lives of people today.

In this dossier you can find moving testimonies from the bullied as well as research from the experts on how we can stop Cyberbullying and be more respectful to others in the digital domaine.

Do you have a story to share about this issue? Be it through video, audio, photography or text, your contribution to this topic would be a valuable one, so upload and contribute your media today!

Article

Gender, Bullying, and Harassment: Strategies to End Sexism and Homophobia in Schools

By, Elizabeth Meyer

While there have been countless studies of bullying and harassment in schools, none have examined the key gender issues related to these behaviors. In her new book, Meyer does just that and offers readers tangible and flexible suggestions to help them positively transform the culture of their school and reduce the incidences of gendered harassment. The text features sections that speak specifically to administrators, teachers, counselors, student leaders, and community and family members.

Integrating research, theory, and practical ideas connected to issues of sex, gender, sexual orientation, bullying, and harassment, this timely book:

Defines important terms, such as bullying, (hetero)sexual harassment, sexual-orientation harassment, and harassment because of gender nonconformity.
Provides an easy-to-read overview of the legal issues involved in addressing gender and harassment in schooling.
Offers an annotated list of educational resources on homophobia, sexual harassment, and bullying, as well as a detailed checklist of steps to aid educators reduce gendered harassment in their schools.

“In this smart, brave book Elizabeth Meyer speaks clearly and sensibly about differences that make a difference in children’s school lives.”

—From the Foreword by Lyn Mikel Brown, Professor of Education, ColbyCollege; author of Girlfighting

“Bullying and harassment remain serious impediments to learning for far too many students. In this thoughtful book, Dr. Meyer helps readers understand why this troubling behavior occurs and persists, and offers clear and easy-to-implement action steps for both individuals and institutions that are truly committed to creating environments where everyone can learn.”

—Kevin Jennings, Founder, The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)

“In an accessible, yet theoretically sound manner, Meyer creates a discourse which defines, identifies, and mentors us in tackling the insidious effects of bullying and harassment.”

—Shirley R. Steinberg, Academic Director, The Paulo and Nita Freire International Project for Critical Pedagog

“Meyer’s work moves the bullying discussion far beyond worry, fear, and ignorance—she demands that we contextually understand both the cause and effects involved in this societal ill, then instructs us in efforts to end it.”

—Joe L. Kincheloe, Canada Research Chair, McGillUniversity

"Elizabeth Meyer's important new work reflects an incisive understanding of adolescent peer dynamics. She deepens our understanding of the ways harassment limits the potential of every student. Meyer's powerful argument -- that anti-gay harassment polices all of us -- is original and undeniable."

—Rachel Simmons, author of Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls

Contributed by Elizabeth Meyer