On Friday April 30th, Francis Libermann Staff and Students had a unique opportunity to listen to the internationally renowned author and educator Barbara Coloroso. She enriched the Libermann community by speaking about her landmark book “The Bully, Bullied and the Bystander”.
Coloroso, a consultant on positive school climate and non-violent conflict resolution captivated her audience while interacting with students. She stressed the difference between bullying and conflict, teasing and taunting. “Bullying is not about anger or conflict, it’s about contempt – a strong feeling of dislike towards someone considered worthless or inferior.” Teasing is meant for both parties to laugh together, while taunting is intended to harm the other party.
The Bullied is usually reticent to complain because of fear of retaliation or feelings of shame or helplessness. She warned about signs of bullying, urging teachers and parents to take action. Speaking about bystanders, she noted that these students typically stand by or look away while witnessing a bullying act.”
She urged students to cultivate a spirit of compassion and encouraged them to speak out against injustice and take responsibility for each other.
“Conflict can be resolved, but bullying has to be stopped”, she concluded.
After the lecture, Francis Libermann students presented their 11 point Anti – Bullying pledge and placed their signatures on a huge poster prepared for the occasion.
Students had the chance to approach Barbara Coloroso, ask her questions and take advice. The positive reaction of our students to Ms Coloroso’s address was best summed up in a comment by one student who said “Miss, it was too short”.