Published: August 20, 2008 12:11 pm            

IUS workshop focuses on helping kids with anger

Bullying among children is not just physical abuse, but also psychological and emotional, according to Naomi Drew, who is heading the Conflict Resolution and Anger Management for Tweens and Teens workshop.

Drew came to Indiana University Southeast Tuesday morning to host an all-day workshop for those who work in youth services. The event, which is sponsored by The Indiana Youth Institute, was meant to teach participants how to better serve youth with anger problems.

“[Cruelty] is truly happening in epidemic proportions, even in children as young as pre-school ... trying to control one another,” Drew said, referring to young kids holding friendship against others if they don’t do what is asked.

Connie Leap, who works with Girls Inc. in Jefferson County, Ind., said this is something she sees regularly.

“Every year, it seems to get younger and younger. I saw it in the 6- and 7-year-olds this summer,” she said, mentioning that before this was an issue for the 10-year-olds on up. “We need to teach those children that it’s OK if someone doesn’t want to be your friend at this moment, but don’t let them tell you what and who you can play with.”

The IUS stop is one of eight. At IUS, 48 people came representing 21 youth organizations, according to Joe Shrode, field representative with IYI.

Shrode said IYI always hosts workshops covering various topics, but this is the first of its kind. He said it’s necessary in today’s environment.

“Everyone who works with kids will eventually encounter kids with conflict management or anger management issues,” Shrode said.

Some in attendance said they think kids have too many dramatic things happening to them at once and they don’t know how to handle all the emotions. Some said it’s the kids who make some of the issues more of a big deal than they are.

Others talked about rivalry between friends and even siblings and overall unkindness, which can all lead to bullying.

“It really starts with our belief in them and us letting them know and telling them you know they have the courage to resist fighting and to be successful,” Drew said.

Kim Willard, residential youth specialist with Childplace, said another issue with youth is a lack of respect for elders, authority figures, their peers and themselves.

“Sometimes, they don’t even know [how to respect],” Drew said in response. “We need to model it and expect it and when they do it, praise them for it.”

During the workshop, participants were given ideas for what to say and do to get youth to understand how to deal with these issues in a calm manner.

Marine Walls, regional parent coordinator with 21st Century Scholars, said this training can help her to reach out to many young people.

“A lot of the kids are just angry,” Walls said. “Lots of times, they don’t even know what they’re angry about.”

Drew said this program is all about prevention. She said many tragedies, such as school shootings, started off with a victim of bullying. She also said suicide is the second leading cause of death with young people, oftentimes because they are depressed and perhaps were bullied.

“We have to do whatever we can to be proactive and address the issues that could possibly lead to another tragedy,” she said.



ABOUT NAOMI DREW

• Drew, who is an author and independent trainer, is recognized around the world as an expert on conflict resolution, peacemaking and parenting. Her work has been featured in national magazines and on national TV. She has served as a parenting expert for “Classroom Close-ups,” an Emmy-award winning public television show.

— information courtesy

The Indiana Youth Institute



THE INDIANA YOUTH INSTITUTE

• Motto: “Serving those who work with youth”

• Web site address: www.iyi.org

• Contact number: 317-396-2700



UPCOMING SITES FOR THE WORKSHOP

• Aug. 20: Evansville

• Aug. 21: Bloomington

• Sept. 8: Indianapolis

        

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