book review.
Sexual Harassment and Bullying, a Guide to Keeping Kids Safe and Holding Schools Accountable is for all of the parents and educators trying to implement New Jersey’s new law aimed at preventing school bullying. This is a terrific resource.
This book by Susan Strauss, RN, Ed.D., goes to the root causes of these issues, examining the contemporary culture that sexualizes children at an appallingly early age. Clearly, a culture that endorses beauty pageants for toddlers, push-up bras and make-up kits for five year olds and even (shudder) a pole dancer kit for pre-teens, complete with peekaboo panties, a garter and play money (yes, it was sold by Tesco) shouldn’t be surprised when young children engage in sexual harassment. Further, such blatant emphasis on stereotypical gender roles is a component in the bullying of those who don’t conform.
For schools, the obligation to respond appropriately to such challenges is relatively new territory. Some have over-reacted absurdly, with “zero tolerance” policies that have resulted in kids being suspended for a mere kiss on the cheek. Others have buried their heads in the sand and refused to recognize the serious abuse some children were being subjected to – or even, in the worst cases, enabled the abusers.
Dr.Strauss examines these problems in detail in her well researched and documented book, looks at the legal aspects, deals with such brand new areas as cyberbullying and lays out common sense strategies for both schools and parents. This is certainly among the best and most useful books of its type and belongs in the hands of every parent and educator.
Sexual Harassment and Bullying, a Guide to Keeping Kids Safe and Holding Schools Accountable
ISBN 978-1-4422-0162-0 Rowman & Littlefield Publishing, www.rowmanlittlefield.com
book review.
Sexual Harassment and Bullying, a Guide to Keeping Kids Safe and Holding Schools Accountable is for all of the parents and educators trying to implement New Jersey’s new law aimed at preventing school bullying. This is a terrific resource.
