Joshua's Case About Harassment

What are the issues in this case?

Joshua's case involves harassment that involves verbal abuse, social banishment with rumors that he is gay. However, instead of addressing by reporting the issue to ensure it is addressed, he ignored it assuming that the rumor will stop but it does not. When the administration is notified, some of the students involved in the bullying are punished.

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Why might a student become a target of harassment by peers?

Anyone can be a target for bullying. However, Olweus (1993) notes that quiet, withdrawn, submissive, weak, and insecure people are the primary targets of harassment.

What, if anything, could Joshua have done to prevent or stop the harassment?

To avoid bullying by peers, Joshua should strive to remain calm and respond precisely to bullies. Further, he may report the matter to teachers if the problem gets out of hand (Juvonem & Graham, 2001; Bierman, 2002).). In the case, Joshua has reported the issue to his parents who have informed the administration, resulting in the punishment of bullies.

What could Joshua's teachers have done to stop the harassment?

Teachers should take a firm stand against such behavior and make sure that the bullies apologize to Joshua for their actions. Additionally, the tutors may punish the bullies and thus make such behavior highly undesirable in school (Sharp & Smith, 2002).

What should be done at this point? By whom? Why?

Despite the intervention by the principal, the harassment does not stop. Indeed, it worsens as evident from the pornographic materials that he receives via the mail. Further, when unknown people paint his car with derogatory words and rainbow on its window, it is evident that the problem has escalated. At this stage, Joshua's family can also help in alleviating the situation by seeking the services of a professional counselor to offer support to Joshua and, thus, provide him with essential skills of avoiding future victimization (Zin & Elias, 2013). Most importantly, the police should be notified, and if possible, to ensure that culprits are brought to justice and serviced with orders to stay away from him.

What do you think will happen now? Why?

With support from the family, a counselor, and the institution of learning, Joshua will be able to regain his confidence and, thus, gradually regain his social life that has been affected. Further, the involvement of the police presents an opportunity to ensure that the bullies are prohibited from harassing Joshua.

References

Bierman, K. L. (2004). Peer rejection: Developmental processes and intervention strategies. New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Juvonen, J., & Graham, S. (Eds.). (2001). Peer harassment in school: The plight of the vulnerable and victimized. New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Olweus, D. (1993). Bullying at school: What we know and what we can do. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing

Sharp, S., & Smith, P. K. (2002). School bullying: Insights and perspectives. Abingdon, UK: Routledge.

Zins, J., & Elias, M. (2013). Bullying, peer harassment, and victimization in the schools: The next generation of prevention. Abingdon, UK: Routledge.