Teaching Bullies Reviewed by Internationally Renowned Educator

At professional and university level sports, and more recently, even in league play, major cracks have been appearing in the iconic mythology and armour of sport. And they are being dealt with more swiftly and directly every day.

But, ironically, in the supposed safe haven of school, many young athletes and their families continue to suffer without voice. It is on this last bastion of the 'winning culture' that Jennifer Fraser's new book, Teaching Bullies, stakes its claim.

Through a skillful weaving of poignant tale and full evidential analysis, Fraser offers us a picture that is all too familiar - one of abuse, emotional extortion and final dejection at the hands of those ‘old school’ arbiters of the ‘what it takes to win’ philosophy of life.

This is a world in which respect, decency and professionalism are lost in the name of ‘toughness’. It is one in which manipulation and bullying rather than respect and skillful teaching are used to ‘bring up’ our youth.

What is most insidious in Fraser’s tale is how, when voices are raised, the education system at all levels can leave the besieged without protection.

Teaching Bullies is the touchstone, even a battle cry, for those who understand what sports in school should really be about – playing, learning and growing!

---John Baty

https://jbspeechanddebate.wordpress.com/