Fighting bullying through ministry

In an October 28 webinar, ‘Fighting Bullying Through Ministry’, experts shared valuable insights and strategies for addressing bullying within parish communities.

The webinar was hosted by the Office of Youth Ministry in collaboration with the Archdiocesan Trauma Team. It featured a diverse group of experts, each contributing valuable perspectives.

Fr Gerard (Jerry) J McGlone SJ is a Jesuit priest and Research Fellow at Georgetown University’s Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs. With a background in trauma-informed education, Fr McGlone emphasised understanding the emotional and situational dynamics of bullying. He advocated for a trauma-informed approach, recognising that both the victim and the perpetrator often bring complex histories to their interactions.

Daren Dhoray, a digital anthropologist and Enterprise Applications Support Manager at The University of the West Indies, focused on the realities of cyberbullying.

Drawing from his extensive experience in digital transformation and cyber safety advocacy, Dhoray highlighted the parallels between cyberbullying and traditional bullying. He introduced the THINK principle (Is it True? Helpful? Inspiring? Necessary? Kind?) as a guideline to encourage mindful online engagement.

Hedy Tenia, a Conflict Resolution Practitioner, shared strategies for managing conflict constructively. With a background in public service and extensive training in mediation, she advocated for conflict competence through self-awareness and communication skills.

Tenia emphasised the importance of using neutral language and ‘I’ statements to foster open dialogue and encouraged rethinking labels like ‘bully’, which can stigmatise individuals and hinder personal growth.

Taresa Best Downes, Episcopal Delegate for Youth, presented strategies for parishes to support youth affected by bullying. She underscored the importance of Connection, Creation, and Teaching within parish life. Best Downes called on parishes to build partnerships with schools and parents, create safe spaces for open expression, and serve as models of empathy and respect.

Key takeaways

The discussion focused on understanding the deeper emotional and situational dynamics involved in bullying. Bullying, whether physical, verbal, or digital, is rarely an isolated incident; it often reflects the vulnerabilities of both the perpetrator and the victim.

To address these complexities, the experts advocated for a trauma-informed approach, which involves recognising and understanding the past experiences that may shape the behaviours of all involved.

This approach does not excuse hurtful actions but stresses empathy as a foundation for healing, acknowledging that bullying often exists within broader social systems.

In addition to traditional bullying, the webinar addressed cyberbullying, a prevalent issue in today’s digital world. Nearly one in five students report experiencing online harassment, which has serious long-term effects on mental health and academic performance.

Participants learned how to recognise cyberbullying’s signs—such as social withdrawal, emotional distress, and changes in online behaviour—and were introduced to the THINK principle as a guideline for online interactions.

This principle encourages youth to foster respect and thoughtfulness in digital spaces, treating online interactions with the same care as those in real life.

Another key aspect of the discussion was the importance of conflict competence as a skill for navigating challenging situations. Effective conflict management requires self-awareness, active listening, and clear, respectful communication. Parishes were encouraged to teach these skills by modelling ‘I’ statements and neutral language, both of which foster open, non-defensive communication. With these tools, communities can respond to bullying in a way that respects everyone’s dignity, promoting a culture of understanding over judgment.

The role of parishes as supportive, Christ-centred environments emerged as a central theme. Parishes have a unique opportunity to build a supportive environment for youth, in three key areas: Connection, Creation, and Teaching. Connection refers to building relationships with local schools, parents, and youth organisations to understand bullying’s impact and find unified solutions. Creating safe spaces within parish communities gives young people a forum for open expression without fear, allowing them to share and process their experiences.

Teaching, in this context, means leading by example; by modelling empathy, respect, and kindness, adults and parish leaders set a positive standard for youth, illustrating how to engage in healthy relationships and handle conflicts constructively.

Practical strategies for addressing bullying

Practical strategies for addressing bullying were outlined through three progressive steps: Preventative, Mitigative, and Restorative.

1. Preventative Measures: Preventative steps aim to create an environment that discourages bullying before it happens. Parishes can offer empathy workshops, emotional intelligence training, and programmes that challenge harmful stereotypes, such as those around masculinity. Inclusive programmes and age-appropriate activities ensure that each child or teen feels seen, heard, and valued.
2. Mitigative Approaches: Educating bystanders on the importance of intervention and creating confidential channels for reporting incidents help foster a supportive environment. The webinar also highlighted the importance of recognising the needs of bullies, providing counselling or mentorship to address any underlying emotional issues contributing to their behaviour. Early intervention in cases of aggressive behaviour can prevent bullying from escalating.
3. Restorative Practices: Finally, restorative practices aim to heal those affected by bullying. By facilitating open discussions between victims and perpetrators (when appropriate), parishes can promote understanding and forgiveness, encouraging both parties to move forward. Involving the entire parish community in the healing process fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Faith-based teachings of forgiveness and reconciliation guide these efforts, encouraging healing grounded in compassion.

Assisted generation using Chat GPT.ai