Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy

author: Emily Bazelon

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.92

book published: 2013

rating: 4

read at: 2013/05/08

date added: 2013/05/08

shelves: non-fiction

review:

A book that succeeds in addressing the social issue of bullying in a rational, coherent way. Emily Bazelon combines journalism with compassion in a way that remains unbiased, rational and sympathetic.



Three case studies are presented in the course of the book that show different aspects of bullying. Two are somewhat typical cases and one was a higher profile case. Two are victims, while one was accused of bullying. All aspects are fairly presented. Bullying has been around a long time, but now with social media, the victims seemingly have no escape. Schools are also required to intercede more and provide training in social norms. Emily also visits schools with successful anti-bullying programs and visits the headquarters of Facebook to see what they are doing (or not doing) about bullying complaints. The role of parents is also addressed. After all, we shouldn't have to leave it all up to the schools to teach conduct to our children, right?



Can a school intercede and punish based on an internet post made from a location outside of the school? What should parents, educators and students be doing? What is bullying and what is not? These are a few of the many questions asked in the course of the book.



The book concludes with FAQs and resource lists with sections aimed at students, parents and educators. This can only be of great help to anyone in one of these situations, and makes the book a valued resource. It's so refreshing to read something that addresses a social issue in such a clearheaded way.





via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/556617091?utm_medium=api&utm_source=rss