This post is a summary of two reports: ¨ Human rights teaching reduces bullying, study finds.¨ Published at Guardian.co.uk at 2 November 2010 and written by Jeevan Vasagar and the other: ¨Bullying and human rights.¨ Published at Discoverhumanrights.org at Fall 2010.
Teaching children about their human rights can reduce bullying and exclusion, improve relations with teachers and create a calmer atmosphere for learning, according to an UNICEF-UK project in more than 1,000 schools across Britain.The first evaluation of the project has found that its introduction was accompanied by a fall in truancy and an improvement in results at schools. Pupils increasingly took part in making decisions and in debates about the school. In some schools, pupils showed candidates for teaching jobs questions they wanted to ask. They also gave feedback after candidates for teaching jobs gave sample lessons.
Anita Tiessen, director of UNICEF-UK, said: ¨It is wrong that all children in the UK do not learn about their rights. Today`s evaluation report shows a profound effect it can have not only on children, but also in teachers, governors and parents.¨ Meanwhile, research by the Educational Sutton Trust finds that poor children are twice as likely to start school with behavior problems, compared with their more privileged peers. And also that the gaps in behavior between poorer and wealthier children has widened over the last 10 years. Peter Lampl, chairman of Educational Sutton Trust, said: ¨This study is showing that disadvantaged children are much more likely to have a challenging behavior. It is no wonder that the gaps in achievement grow during school. More than anything, the research shows once more again why it is so important to intervene to stem problems before they develop.¨
Social studies devote considerable discussion to the balance of power among the branches of governments as well as to a nation`s system of justice to assist students` understanding of the court system, social studies teachers may hold mock court trials of famous cases, in which students role play the parts involved. Since social studies are intended to develop students` understanding of democratic system of justice, students need dealing with disputes and making decisions fair to the parties involved as well as to their community. Peer mediation is one means of developing students` requisite skills and knowledge of justice. Through peer mediation students must consider all sides of bullying and develop workable solutions that are fair. Research has shown that peer mediation increases students interests in the justice and legal system, while promoting citizenship. Bullying is not a rite of passage for children, this perception represent an opportunity to explore the way human rights protection is initiated, defined, and enacted by different states in the U. S. as well as around the world. Just because it has not yet been possible to eradicate bullying, this does not mean bullying should continue. Teachers who emphasize positive environment can only help students become secure. In addition, should familiarize students with the rules and policies regarding bullying. Social studies textbooks generally include the role of the U. N. in promoting world peace, aiding victims of war and natural disasters, and advocating for human rights. Teachers must help students recognize that freedom from bullying and harassment are human rights issues, and human rights advocates around the world have denounced bullying.
It is imperative that each adult assumes responsibility for protecting students from physical and psychological harm. Each child, regardless of ethnicity, gender, and culture, deserves equal protection. Teachers should focus on uses and abuses of power and promote positive attitudes and tolerance of others. Furthermore, the adults must recognize bullying for what it really is, a violation of human rights.
Truancy - stays away from school without permission or explanation.
Stem - stop the flow of something
Mock - arranged for training or practice
Harass - torment someone by subjecting them to constant interference or bullying.
