Therapro’s final speaker of the Spring Saturday Seminar Series was Iris Leigh, CAGS, OTR/L, Assistant Clinical Professor at Boston University’s Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Her talk, “Bullying: Understanding the Basics,” provided a thought-provoking look at bullying. Iris’ extensive background in the area of special education in addition to health care provided a unique look at bullying behavior.

Iris began her talk with an anti-bullying quiz that generated much discussion. We learned that bullying is a “power game” in which the bully exercises control, and occurs primarily during unstructured times of the school day, such as at lunch, bathroom time, recess, on the bus, etc. She reviewed major characteristics of bullying behaviors and reminded us that bullying can affect all of the children who are exposed to the behavior, not just the child who is the victim. In order for a behavior to be characterized as “bullying,” three behaviors must be present, including: intent to harm, power imbalance, and repeated behaviors. Prevention of bullying is a responsibility for those who work with children. She concluded by giving us the tools to support children who are targeted and/or witness bullying behaviors.

Attendees included teachers and occupational therapists who had these comments about the seminar:

“Very well put together – easy strategies.”

“Applies to work…and life.”

“ Lots of good resource info – this lady knows her stuff!”

Thank you, Iris!

Filomena Connor, MS, OTR/L

May 17, 2014