In a world full of caring adults, how is it that we keep missing the cries of hurting kids? “Today, when the bell rings, kids might leave their school campus, but they can never escape the other world, a world where mockers and intimidators thrive. Ironically, they carry a gateway to that world right in their pockets, because they see that world as an avenue of escape. . .but in reality, it’s putting them in bondage." --Jonathan McKee
With chapters Digital Hurt The Escape Key Why Didn’t You Say Anything? Meet the Principal Real-World Solutions and More! An expert on youth and youth culture, McKee shares his own heart-rending story and offers a sobering glimpse into the rapidly changing world of bullies, bystanders, and the bullied while providing helpful ways to connect with these kids, open doors of dialogue, and give them the encouragement they need and the validation they're searching for. . .too often in all the wrong places. The Bullying Breakthrough promises real-world help for dealing with today’s bullying culture.
Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new IF I HAD A PARENTING DO OVER; 52 WAYS TO CONNECT WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE OBSESSED KID; and the Amazon "Best Seller," THE GUY'S GUIDE TO GOD, GIRLS AND THE PHONE IN YOUR POCKET. With over 20 years youth ministry experience, Jonathan speaks to parents and leaders worldwide. You can follow Jonathan on his blog at JonathanMcKeeWrites.com, getting a regular dose of youth culture and parenting help. Jonathan, his wife, Lori, and their three kids live in California.
How to Combat Bullying “The Bullying Breakthrough” packs a lot of information into a small book, making it a good resource that is easy to carry around. My only real complaint is that I thought there should be more of a Christian influence and viewpoint throughout the book; however, this does serve to make it applicable to a wide range of people regardless of religious affiliation or lack thereof. The subtitle defines the target audience as parents and teachers, and the focus is on children, but I felt that the principles put forth here could be generalized for adults as well. It seems that bullying is ubiquitous and that while we should certainly aim to eradicate it at schools, those bullies grow up and sometimes continue to exhibit bullying behavior. Society is becoming increasingly more intolerant, and much of this narrow-mindedness mirrors childhood bullying, just at an “adult” level. As someone who was bullied as a kid and whose son was bullied, Jonathan McKee is uniquely positioned to offer insight into the issue. He aptly notes that “[p]ain seems to be the common denominator all around. Bullied, bully, bystander…hurt isn’t partial.” He defines bullying as an aggressive, repeated behavior that involves a power play and goes on to discuss the perspective of each group—bullied, bullies, bystanders—and how to reach out to them, which I thought was very perceptive. The discussion questions at the end of each chapter are helpful for facilitating conversation and encouraging action. One of the biggest take-aways is listening to kids and noticing any behaviors that could indicate bullying of some kind. Another major point was the culpability of social media in cyberbullying and causing isolation among kids. The stories include many types of bullying, from the physical to the emotional to that which occurs on social media, and they are heartbreaking but not surprising, which is why things need to change. Fittingly, the last segment of the book is devoted to solutions for those being bullied and for the authority figures in such situations and how to help schools deal with and prevent bullying. Although not a light read by any stretch of the imagination, this is a very necessary and timely resource for anyone who has been bullied, has witness bullying, or has even been a bully themselves, and especially for those who wish to combat bullying. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
This was a very insightful book for me to read. I currently have 5 Grandkids & I am very concerned about some of the things that I read about that kids are currently experiencing in schools. Jonathan McKee has written a much needed book that every teacher, youth worker, parent, Grandparent & anyone else that works with or is around children a lot should read.
I did not realize how much cyber bullying actually goes on, and he gave me some practical & much needed signs to watch out for, and ways to interact to find out if someone is being bullied, and what I can do to prevent it that I never would have thought of.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
As a youth workers of 15+years I have worked with countless teens who have struggled as either a bully, the bullied or became a bystander. McKee expertly addresses the key issues being faced in every classroom, hallway, school bus, school yard and social media platform in America. If you're a parent, teacher or caring adult, this book needs to be mandatory reading. It could very well save the life of a teen you know.
Well researched. Engaging and thoughtful. I had a few serious issues with it, though: (1) repeated use of the term "bully," (2) use of the term "antisocial" to describe shy or awkward kids, and (3) Christian emphasis. (1) Labeling kids is dangerous, and labeling them "bullies" is a rhetorical laziness which, I believe, can trap kids in an identity that they then feel beholden to live up to. Reality is, there are no hard borders between bullied, bystander, and the one who bullies. Therefore, we each of us has the potential to float among these roles. To label a kid "bully" is to draw artificial borders and oversimplify the problem. (2) Doesn't the term "antisocial" do the same to a kid who is probably more properly called an introvert? And, what's wrong with introverts? Temple Grandin explains beautifully the necessity of different minds ... and, to my mind, we don't need a negative label to describe a kid who is introverted. This suggests they're deficient, and that we need to change them fundamentally. They're not. And we don't. (To clarify, the author uses the term antisocial to characterize kids who are frequent victims of bullying.) I don't suggest that the author lacks in empathy for any of these kids -- but I disagree with his use of those terms. (3) The Christian perspective. Personally, I worry that this makes the material less accessible for non-Christian readers. The author definitely has a right and cause to express his perspective -- I'm not arguing with that -- but it raises my defenses when I read things like, "There is only one cure, and it's not anything from human power. The cure is simply to give up and cry out to God ..." There's good research here, and valuable perspective (the author is both a victim of bullying and parent of a bullied child), so it just kind of bothers me to see some readers locked out by the evangelical perspective. Some people would say the book doesn't contain enough Christianity. Some would say that it's fine and legit to write for a Christian audience. I'm not arguing with those points. Maybe those people are right. For me, it felt exclusionary and the concepts could easily have been written without Biblical references (e.g., Ruth's moment of pause). And, to my mind at least, there is never "only one" cure. 2.5 stars.
Bullying is a major topic when it comes to our youth today. How did we let it get so out of hand and what can we do to put a stop to it? That’s exactly what Jonathan McKee explains in his book, “The Bullying Breakthrough“. This is the resource that I wish existed when I a kid, but also when I was researching the topic for my counseling classes back in college.
McKee walks readers through the bullied, bystanders, and bullies with well-researched statistics, applicable ways to go about resolving the problem without being judgemental. His first-hand accounts also help his credibility with the information he shares. The information he shares is not new, at least not to someone who has studied the topic, but he is insightful and he is not afraid to share the ugly truth of how bullying impacts our students while keeping that spark of hope alive.
I also appreciated the chapter he included ways that the principal, administration, and their staff can help resolve the bullying problem. Sometimes we forget that even these people are human and while they want to help, don’t always know what to do. He also explains that it’s not enough to pay for anti-bullying posters and have the occasional assembly. More needs to be done and these are some ways we can do just that.
This is an excellent resource that I would personally recommend every parent, principal, teacher, youth pastor or leader, counselor, or anyone who works with today’s youth. This is the kind of book I wish I could gift to every single person in these roles, but unfortunately, due to finances, I can’t. It seriously is that great of a book though.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Every parent, teacher, principal, and youth pastor NEEDS to read this book! It is eye opening and informative, filled with stories of those who have experienced bullying and what people did (or didn't do) to help. Jonathan McKee offers great insight into how to recognize bullying and what adults can to do help and empower those who are bullied. He also spends time speaking about the unique situations of the bullies and the bystanders, and I especially appreciated his chapter on how bullies also have their own pain which has caused them to inflict pain on others. McKee spares no details giving the big ugly truth of bullying, but also the hope of how one "noticing, listening, befriending, and empathizing" person, adult or especially kid, can make all the difference.
The Bullying Breakthrough by Jonathan McKee Real Help for Parents and Teachers of the Bullied, Bystanders, and Bullies In a world full of caring adults, how is it that we keep missing the cries of hurting kids? “Today, when the bell rings, kids might leave their school campus, but they can never escape the other world, a world where mockers and intimidators thrive. Ironically, they carry a gateway to that world right in their pockets with them, because they see that world as an avenue of escape. . .but in reality, it’s putting them in bondage," says author and youth expert Jonathan McKee in The Bullying Breakthrough. With chapters including, Digital Hurt, The Escape Key, Why Didn’t You Say Anything?, Meet the Principal, Real-World Solutions, and more, McKee shares his own heart-rending story and offers a sobering glimpse into the rapidly changing world of bullies, bystanders, and the bullied while providing helpful ways to connect with these kids, open doors of dialogue, and give them the encouragement they need and the validation they're searching for. . .too often in all the wrong places. If you interact with kids, you need this book! Therapists and counselors working with hurting young people. Moms and dads who desperately want to help but are learning through trial and error. Youth workers who are hanging out with teens on the front lines. Teens and tweens who feel like no one understands. Jocks. Nerds. Mean girls. Band kids. Special needs kids. Rich, poor, overweight, anemic, gorgeous, awkward…the whole gamut. All these assorted people have two common denominators: a mobile device they admittedly spend too much time on, and a story about the hurt they’ve seen or experienced when someone is repeatedly cruel to another. (You’ll be hearing much more from me on each of those two factors.) Welcome to the world of twenty-first-century bullying! I highly recommend reading. "I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review." The Bullying Breakthrough: Real Help for Parents and Teachers of the Bullied, Bystanders, and Bullies by Jonathan McKee is a wonderful well written 5 star book. more books by Jonathan McKee. The Guy's Guide to God, Girls, and the Phone in Your Pocket: 101 Real-World Tips for Teenaged Guys by Jonathan McKee The Teen's Guide to Social Media... and Mobile Devices: 21 Tips to Wise Posting in an Insecure World by Jonathan McKee Can I Have Your Attention?: Inspiring Better Work Habits, Focusing Your Team, and Getting Stuff Done in the Constantly Connected Workplace by Curt Steinhorst , Jonathan McKee The New Breed - Second Edition: Understanding & Equipping the 21st Century Volunteer Jul 20, 2012 by Jonathan McKee , Thomas W. McKee 52 Ways to Connect with Your Smartphone Obsessed Kid: How to Engage with Kids Who Can't Seem to Pry Their Eyes from Their Devices! by Jonathan McKee
This new book from Jonathan McKee is a MUST-READ book for everyone! For parents, grandparents, teachers and anyone else who has young people in their lives. The Bullying Breakthrough is full of helpful suggestions to help deal with this serious problem that is plaguing our society. Have you ever had your child or grandchild come home from school and appear to be starving? Most of us would question or perhaps assume that they hadn't eaten lunch because they didn't like what was being served. What if "they skipped lunch in fear of walking through certain areas, or because their lunch money was stolen or their lunch tray dumped again". (p.124) The author himself was once bullied and he describes his bullying and how he felt. In a very telling paragraph he relates that "...I had an amazing home life. And I can tell you, if I had access to a gun in junior high, I would have considered blowing away not only the entire "Kill Jon Club" but every one of of the smug bystanders who laugh at their jokes and T-shirts! (Wow, did I just put that in print?) By God's grace, I never did. But take it from me, public ridicule does something to you mentally. It festers and boils, becoming something poisonous." (p. 159)
In his introduction McKee mentions the hundreds of surveys and interviews he conducted over several months so that he could write this book. He shares the stories of young people that we recognize from news accounts but there are so many more mentioned who have experienced this hurtful behavior and we knew nothing about them until now. He also offers many tips for recognizing, understanding and reaching out to these victims. Page after page, readers are offered "real help for parents and teachers of the bullied, bystanders and bullies". Because, as guilty as the bullies are, there is also guilt that should be placed on the bystanders. People who watch and laugh and people who watch and do nothing. At the end of each chapter there are discussion questions and the book ends with several pages of notes to help us find more resources discussing this problem.
I would hope that every school and every church would add this book to their libraries and I will suggest that my local public library purchase it also. I cannot recommend The Bullying Breakthrough enough!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
This was a powerful read. Bullying has reached epidemic proportions. Parents, educators, youth pastors and those who care for youth see its effects almost daily. We see it on the news, know someone who has experienced it, or worse, watched our own children deal with it. This problem isn't going away. Why has it grown into such a big issue?
Jonathan McKee shares his personal struggles with bullying, from being a child who was bullied to seeing his son suffer the same childhood experience. As a mom whose child has dealt with bullying at school, I was moved by the sincere way Jonathan dealt with such a hot topic. He has been there, both as the bullied and as a parent trying to help his child. He shares statistics, studies, real life application of possible long term solutions and personal experience to offer help and hope.
He breaks down the groups to three different types: 1. The Bullied 2. The Bystander 3. The Bully. This is a helpful guide that explains what each motivation or issue is behind the problem facing them all-bullying. There are suggestions parents and kids can walk through together to deal with the issue head on and with support.
I also appreciated the chapter devoted to helping teachers, social workers, administrators and school systems, with many easily reached goals for improvement. Having a written "anti-bullying" policy does nothing in our schools if there are no resources given to all three of the types of those dealing with this issue. We can't say one thing then do another.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is troubled by the plague of bullying. It's not what it was years ago..sadly, it's much worse. If finances allowed, I would gift one of these to every teacher in the school systems. It's that good.
I read an advanced reader copy through #NetGalley and chose to review. All opinions are my own.
This book was chosen to read because we had some issues at school. We're working on the issues, however, this book led me to think about how little I want a phone in my 11-year-old's hands anymore.
Before I get into it; school is much different than when you and I attended. Cell phones are there. In hand. At desks. Over recess. Phones are in kids' hands while at school. That's a problem. I'm sitting here thinking about myself in Grade 6, and if you handed me a Gameboy, well, I wouldn't have paid any attention to much else either. They're distracting. We, as parents, know how distracting they are to us, with work, email, text, and social media ... so when you place one in a child's hands, it has to come with limits, or you're done.
Aside from the bullying, being the bully, being a bystander, etc... the thought of cyber-bullying and real-life stories this book walks us through are heart-wrenching.
“Today, when the bell rings, kids might leave their school campus, but they can never escape the other world, a world where mockers and intimidators thrive. Ironically, they carry a gateway to that world right in their pockets, because they see that world as an avenue of escape. . .but in reality, it’s putting them in bondage."
Imagine the bullying ramping up after school hours, as opposed to just heart-breakingly waiting until the next morning to have to worry about being bullied? It continues through the night. It escalates on social media. Tagging other students. Constant DMs.
As with any book, I read it to enlighten myself and hopefully learn. This book taught me how to be a better parent, in addition to learning about bullying, the bullied and bystanders. If you're a parent and don't want to bury your head in the sand, read it.
I have read a number of Jonathan McKee’s books, each time I think “this is the best one yet”! Well, The Bullying Breakthrough, recently released, truly is the best one. You see, if we as parents, grandparents, school staff and administration, society in general, can truly begin to understand bullying, we can also begin to understand how to help the bullied and the bully.
With tons of research, and personal experience, Jonathan McKee examines bullying, it’s increasing occurrence rates, the tragedy of cyber bullying, the effects of bullying and why someone might be a bully.
McKee further provides ways to combat bullying, from tips for parents, tips on recognizing the bullied and the bully, strategies for teachers and administrators. Additionally, McKee suggests that students can be taught strategies as well, from the bullied to the bully.
I suggest as a parent, grandparent, and concerned member of society that everyone needs to read this book for themselves. With understanding, comes wisdom; with wisdom, comes power, and with power, the ability to effect change. If we truly want to stop bullying, stop suicides and school shootings, I believe we can begin here.
If I had the funding, every person working within my local school district would have a copy of The Bullying Breakthrough...it’s that good and so, so important.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions, therein, are solely mine.
The Bullying Breakthrough is an eye-opening book that will help anyone dealing with "the bullied, the bystanders, and the bullies." Written by a man who experienced bullying in his own life, this book seeks to help give an inside glimpse into why people bully others, why people stand on the sidelines without taking action, and how the people who are bullied are affected. Mr. McKee has interviewed many who fit into each category and has provided helpful insight into the who's the why's and the how's of bullying. If you or your children are or have been bullied, have been a bully, or have stood by not knowing what to do, or if you are a teacher or youth worker, this book will help you more fully the dynamics of bullying. Especially rampant, cyberbullying has taken this issue to a whole other level - one where it has been multiplied by the pervasiveness of the internet in our and our children's lives. Read this book, share this book. It is an important tool that will help you, if not solve some cases of bullying, at least help get into the mindset of all three parties involved. Every little step in understanding this issue is a step in the right direction. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. The thoughts and opinions are mine alone.
THE BULLYING BREAKTHROUGH by Jonathan Mckee, was excellent. Each chapter had in-depth, researched information about bullying and being bullied. Even the title page was very well thought out. Bullying and or being bullied happens all the time. And most people will stand by and watch it happen and not do anything. Because in grade school I became good friends with someone that was being bullied or teased every day. I use to watch her cry all the time, so instead of just feeling sorry for her, I did something about it. What really came to my attention while I was reading this book was, what was said on page 67, in the last paragraph. "Realize that getting to the truth takes time." And what was said after that. I agree with that paragraph and it should be set up in all schools. And, what I really liked was, at the end of each chapter, there are these wonderful discussion questions that may lead to some amazing conversations that could be helpful if a bully situation ever happened. Which it usually does. In fact, I think it would be great if Mr. Mckee could visit all schools and be able to bring the point across to everyone about bullying, and the consequences it causes. A very helpful and important book indeed!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Wow, when I read The Bullying Breakthrough by Jonathan McKee, I learned a lot of new perspectives. I learned about the missed signs, the feelings of the victims that are ignored or dismissed, the hurt that carries into adulthood and a lot more. Cyber bullying is new for me since I didn't grow up in the electronic age, but there are many good points to think about and learn to recognize since cyber bullying seems to be the new normal. There seems to be more pressure to measure up and be liked. Cyber bullying truly is a 24/7 nonstop problem. This creates a lot of misery for kids of all ages. It's sad that the number of likes on social media determines a persons value in life. These are just a few of the things I learned from reading this book. There is much, much more. I hope teachers, principals, preachers, adults & kids find this book. Thanks for the new perspectives I would not have seen on my own. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. If I saw this book in a store, I would have purchased it myself.
The Bullying Breakthrough Real Help for Parents and Teachers of the Bullied, Bystanders, and Bullies by Jonathan McKee Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Shiloh Run Press Christian , Nonfiction (Adult) Pub Date 01 Nov 2018
I am reviewing a copy of The Bullying Breakthrough through Barbour Publishing and Netgalley:
This book is a must read for those who have been bullied or have school aged children.
This book reminds us that when kids are bullied it doesn't just stay in the school yard, but follows them home, on Social Media.
This book goes on to talk about the effect of Cyberbullying on young people.
We are reminded too that kids live in a world where popularity is represented by a number and almost every post that they create is critiqued, judged and measured.
The author goes on to remind us that delaying social media can delay a lot of grief.
I give The Bullying Breakthrough five out of five stars!
The best thing about this book is it has solutions! A great primer on "listening and not dismissing" a child's fears or concerns. Also a lot of information on having "meaningful" conversations with the authority figures in your family member's life. Great examples and personal confessions to help guide the reader who may be dealing with a specific situation or bully. While bullying may not be a new problem the walking wounded from those years past show us it is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. I congratulate this author for having the hard conversations and addressing hard facts. Some readers my recognize themselves on both sides of the issue as some my view teasing as being "in fun" which the author lets us know is not fun for the receiver. Definitely a must read for those of us with children in our lives. May even help a few adults in their work place. A good read.
I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t benefit from this book. Whether you’re a bystander, bully, or the bullied, this book provides wonderful ways of connecting with each.
The Bullying Breakthrough contains heartbreaking stories that will change your outlook, your response, and approach. Bullying is an epidemic—especially with our youth, and is aggravated and enhanced by this digital age. Face-to-face and cyber bullying claims the precious lives of countless young people, and this book provides much needed help, encouragement, and empowerment for change.
Teachers, pastors, parents, or anyone who works with our youth should read this book. It’s a world-changer.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
This book has some great observations, but too bad it spends most of its time telling the reader to “turn to God and he will help you” and “Social media is the devil and any school administrator or playground attendant who doesn’t notice bullying must have been distracted by their phone” without acknowledging that older teenagers can use the Internet and social media to connect with other kids in other cities who share their specific interests and recognizing that it’s a tool that’s being abused, rather than perpetrating that “it’s terrible and you should never use it ever.” Also the author censors words like “damn,” “hell,” and “shit,” but not “r*tard”? I mean, come on. Go all the way or go home.
Every parent, teacher, principal, and youth pastor NEEDS to read this book! It is eye opening and informative, filled with stories of those who have experienced bullying and what people did (or didn't do) to help. Jonathan McKee offers great insight into how to recognize bullying and what adults can to do help and empower those who are bullied. He also spends time speaking about the unique situations of the bullies and the bystanders, and I especially appreciated his chapter on how bullies also have their own pain which has caused them to inflict pain on others. McKee spares no details giving the big ugly truth of bullying, but also the hope of how one "noticing, listening, befriending, and empathizing" person, adult or especially kid, can make all the difference.
This is a topic I’m passionate about after my own experience at what were supposed to be safer spaces — youth group, homeschool co-ops, and Bible studies. While the book is geared more toward this with kids in the school system, I would highly recommend it to anyone who has children or is working with youth, and particularly those in Christian circles. We all need the reminder of what it’s like to be a kid (and now a kid with social media/tech) as well as how to step up and coach them as adults who have been there.
The Bullying Breakthrough is a very thought provoking book. I am so glad I read this book as it will be helpful with my kids, with society and just in daily living. Really made me think about the different situations people encounter and how I can be part of the solution or part of the problem, even if I’m not actively bullying anyone. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Autor opisuje vedecké štúdie o šikane, vlastnú prežitú šikanu z detstva i šikanu vlastného dieťaťa. Ponúka pohľad nie len zo strany obete, ale aj šikanujúceho a pozorovateľa šikany. Táto je by mala byť viac diskutovaná na univerzitách pripravujúcich budúcich učiteľov ale aj v kruhu rodičov. Nezanedbateľné množstvo obetí šikany len potvrdzuje, že o danej téme sa hovorí málo a mnoho ľudí ani nevie, aký postoj k nej zaujať.
I wish this book would have been available when our son was younger. The insight and personal experiences shared in this book are truly invaluable. I will be sharing this book with family and friends. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Must read for everyone. We are all part of the problem and certainly should be part of the solution. This book educates and helps us understand what we can do to effectively deal with this issue. Thank you for sharing your story.
Great insight into bullying - highly recommend to all parents, as bullying can take different forms, but this book addresses all three sides involved - the bullied, the bully, and very importantly - the bystander.
I think this book had some solid advice. I read it to prepare for my teaching career. It was a little dated and is from the point of view of a man so there is some difference to other experiences of other races/genders. Overall it was a good read and his story was very interesting