The Bullying Breakthrough

September 15, 2018

Longtime youth ministry leader McKee (If I Had a Parenting Do Over) has written on a number of subjects, but the research for this book hit close to home. Like many, the author encountered intense bullying as a child. Here, he interviews individuals from three groups: bullies, the bullied, and the often-ignored bystanders (the majority of a school campus) to gain their perspectives. Several chapters address cyberbullying, citing the dangers it causes by allowing perpetrators to hide behind a screen. He also touches on the social isolation victims experience, having no safe refuge from the bullying. Providing growth suggestions for all parties and noting that bystanders can be bolder and stand up for those who are preyed upon, he further points to warning signs for spotting trouble before it occurs, ideas for setting up meetings with school principals, and concludes each chapter with discussion questions. VERDICT McKee casts a broad net of solutions while presenting well-balanced viewpoints, making this a valuable read for those dealing with this pressing problem.

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