Title: Preventing Bullying: A Manual for Teachers in Promoting Global Educational Harmony
Author: Raju Ramanathan, M. Tech. and Christina Theopolis, M. Ed.
Publisher: Mercury Man Publishing House
ISBN: 978-1-77759-875-4
Pages: 332
Genre: Education
Reviewed by: Allison Walker

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Despite the growing awareness of bullying as a real problem with emotional, intellectual, physical and societal ramifications, bullying remains an under-served issue in many schools and thus remains a problem for many students. Parents, teachers and school administration often lack the training and support needed to effectively address bullying not only for their children but in their own lives. The Glory of Education’s Preventing Bullying: A Manual for Teachers in Promoting Global Educational Harmony, by Raju Ramanathan, M. Tech. and Christina Theopolis, M. Ed., is a comprehensive resource which differentiates itself from other books about bullying by providing classroom activities and school board action plans which not only address the needs of the bullying victim but also the emotions of the perpetrator.

This quote, provided in “Preventing Bullying” and originally spoken by Thich Nhat Hanh, perfectly encapsulates the foundation of the authors’ belief that it is not anti-bullying we should teach children but pro-love: “When another person makes you suffer, it is because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling over. He does not need punishment; he needs help.” Equally important to supporting the victim in bullying, Ramanathan and Theopolis argue, is empathizing with the perpetrator and recognizing the bystanders. Bullying is driven from a need to feel powerful over others, meaning the bully usually suffers from a lack of self-confidence. As such, it’s necessary as teachers to build not only the self-esteem of the victim but also of the bully. This empathetic approach addresses not only the consequence of the bullying but also the driving motivator.

However, bullying is not a one-size-fits-all fix, Ramanathan and Theopolis warn. The solution must be adapted to suit the situation. “Preventing Bullying” provides samples of school board action plans, teacher organization charts, student commitments to anti-bullying and classroom activities, all designed to get a teacher on the right track to propagating an effective pro-love campaign in their school. But it won’t be easy. For example, schools may lack government support or funding, teachers may not feel confident intervening in a bullying situation, or the legal system may lag in addressing the misuse of technology in cyberbullying cases. While “Preventing Bullying” won’t provide readers with an action plan to start a political campaign in your community, it does provide comprehensive resources for classroom-based education.

There are many exercises students can practice and succeed in, with the help of Ramanathan and Theopolis’ classroom management tips. Tools range from breaking students into random groups to practicing mindfulness. The classroom tips presented far exceed application in pro-love exercises. Many of the activities teach children self-awareness and confidence; useful skills for lifetime lessons. For example, the authors recommend encouraging students to check in with themselves by asking questions such as, “How did I feel about that exercise?” and “Why did I act the way I just did?”

Preventing Bullying: A Manual for Teachers in Promoting Global Educational Harmony is an educational and educating resource for teachers who see bullying in their school and lack the resources, but not the motivation, to do something about it. This book stands out with its grass roots, classroom-based effort to end bullying by teaching pro-love. While not all of the exercises are brand new and some of the definitions feel outdated, Ramanathan and Theopolis have created a workbook and resource that will assist teachers in managing their classroom and helping their students.