Educator Risha Golby: Emily Bazelon Explores the Bullying Epidemic

PHILADELPHIA, PA, April 09, 2013

Risha Golby, vice principal at Glenwood Elementary School, is no stranger to bullying. As an educator, she is active in informing students and community members regarding the reality of bullying in today's schools. As such, she was delighted at the opportunity to issue a press statement with regard to a recent interview with author Emily Bazelon published by the Huffington Post, which discusses the factors that Bazelon believes contribute to bullying.

The article provides a brief synopsis of the book that Bazelon has penned to provide a backdrop for the interview: "Sticks and Stones, which has just recently been published, follows the lives of three separate teens, two bullied and one charged with bullying. Bazelon chronicles Monique, Jacob and Flannery's stories meticulously, with empathy, and, most importantly, without fetishizing their experiences. The second half of the book suggests solutions, deconstructing the idea that bullying stems from a specific enemy that could, theoretically, be stopped, and focusing our attention squarely on a culture and institutions that need to be changed."

During the interview, Bazelon asserts that the media has overhyped what it has deemed an "epidemic" when, really, bullying is not as widespread as media outlets would have people believe. Bazelon does, however, assert that the nature of social media has opened up many new opportunities for kids to engage in harmful interactions with others.

Risha Golby builds upon Bazelon's ideas in her statement to the press: "I agree with Bazelon's statement that schools need to take an increased role in helping kids develop proper social skills. School is less about content and more about how to teach kids to be critical thinkers. The future purpose of school may be how to 'teach' kids how to become respectful, kind, resilient citizens who look out for one another in a media-driven world that is increasingly invasive."

Golby encourages any students who are experiencing bullying to notify a trusted adult. Additionally, Risha Golby urges adults to assist students in taking a proactive, positive approach to reducing the bullying that takes place in schools.

ABOUT:

Vice Principal Risha Golby is currently serving the students of Glenwood Elementary School. In this position, she spearheads school growth planning, supports quality teaching, and manages faculty and staff members. With a strong background in the education industry behind her, Golby has dedicated many years to assisting professionals in providing the highest degree of academic support to students possible. Golby holds a bachelor of arts in philosophy and political science from the University of Toronto, where she also minored in English and history. Additionally, she holds a graduate diploma of education from the University of Wollongong in the teaching areas of English and history and a master of education in special education with a focus on behavior management and reading recovery, also from the University of Wollongong.

Website: http://rishagolby.net