Educator Highlights Importance of Addressing Bullying During School Breaks

In a personal column, Avinoam Harash recounts how his intervention during the summer break led to a change in the attitude of parents whose child bullied a peer. Despite the school system being on vacation, Harash met with the parents of the offending student, emphasizing that education is a continuous mission beyond the school year. Initially, the parents minimized the incident as typical childhood disputes, but Harash explained that bullying often signals deeper issues with the child's self-image. This conversation prompted the parents to seek psychological help for their son within two days.

Harash stresses that recognizing the pain behind bullying behavior can significantly alter parental perspectives and responses. He also shares insights from Avi Zada, chairman of the Rotenberg Institute for Jewish Psychology and head of a trauma therapy training school. Zada explains that social exclusion and shaming can deeply harm adolescents' sense of belonging and self-worth but affirms that recovery and rebuilding trust are possible.

Zada warns against waiting for the school year to start before addressing bullying, especially online harassment. He advises listening to the child, engaging relevant parties, strengthening the child's sense of belonging, and seeking professional help if distress signals appear. Harash concludes with a follow-up story where, about two weeks after the initial meeting, he received a photo of the two students playing bowling together, illustrating the positive impact of educational intervention outside the classroom.