Friday, October 2, 2009

Anti-Bullying Seminar - A Review - Part II - One Minute Miracle

Continued from Part I

One of the concepts presented in the Anti-Bullying Seminar was the "One Minute Miracle". I could not find any references or links in order to learn more about the concept. So...if any teachers or health professions stumble upon this post...I would love to hear more about it.

The premise is that people have tendencies and are either more physical or more cognitive. Bullies tend to be more physical and respond better to physical interaction. Dr. Carter made it clear....it DOES NOT mean people should hit children as a response to bullying. One example of a physical response to a behavior is to remove the individual from the situation. He told stories about how he would handle his own kids fighting. He would have them run around the house a few times. This was not a punishment rather a method to release the physical energy. A cognitive response would be talking to a child about a negative behavior and explaining why something should not be done.

As I understood it from the seminar, the "One Minute Miracle" is taking one minute a day and connecting with someone through the use of words and touch. Once the bullies are identified, my daughter's school intends to use this technique. Teachers and staff have volunteered to mentor the bullies and will attempt to create a connection with the student using the "One Minute Miracle". The teachers may shake the students hand, pat them on the shoulder or just say hello. The belief is that once the connection is made the student will be less likely to bully. The teachers/staff become mentors and the student will model good behavior. Another potential benefit is the bully will realize a teacher is watching and have less opportunity to bully.

What do you think?

The post is my understanding after attending an Anti-Bullying seminar at my daughter's school. I am not dispensing advice nor am I a heath professional. I would welcome more information or recommendations on this subject.

6 comments:

Father said...

What a crock! So the solution is to say good morning and shake their hand. How many years of schooling did it take to come up with this solution?

Michele said...

Not sure how I feel about this yet.

One one side...I think it may help. It may improve the bullies self-esteem, reduce anger and reduce the likelihood of bullying others.

On the other side...would it be perceived that the bullies were being rewarded or their behavior was acceptable.

I guess it is about choices. The person who has bullying tendencies can be directed to express themselves in a more positive way. It is about nipping it in the bud.

Sue C said...

You can see where the 'do-gooders' are coming from on this one but I can't help feeling that they are performing the One Minute Miracle on the wrong people. Surely this attention should be given to the victims of bullying to make them feel valued and respected by the teachers and to boost their self-esteem. As usual the victims are being left to fend for themselves and the bullies get all the attention.

Michele said...

Hi Sue...thanks for commenting.

This process does seem out of balance. I can appreciate trying to mentor the bully but I think there needs to be some emphasis on the target too. I was hoping to leave the seminar with a different set of tools.

The psychologist explained that both the bully and the target need to improve their strategies when dealing with others. This presentation was geared to the bully. I would like to hear a presentation focused on the target.

Perpetual Beginner said...

It occurs to me, that self-esteem issues aside, giving the bully direct attention, even for a short period of time, makes it evident to the bully that the teacher is aware of him and what he does - without being an overtly negative interaction.

My younger son had a problem with a particular classmate last year. When it was brought to his teacher's attention, she was able to alleviate the problem in pretty much this way. And it was clearly knowing the teacher was aware of him that made for the change in behavior. This year the same child went straight back to hitting my son. It's proving more difficult to deal with this year, because they aren't in the same classroom. Instead the bully is lying in wait in places the teachers aren't looking.

Michele said...

PB: I am sorry to hear that your son is being bullied by a classmate. Hopefully the teachers will be able to help this year too. I believe the attention given to the bully in the "one minute miracle" makes them feel watched and less likely to engage in bullying behavior.

My daughter told the school nurse, "The kids have been mean before but now that they are older, they are finding new ways to be mean".