The problem of bullying
Bullying can cause enormous distress, often resulting in emotional damage, a lack of self-esteem, depression and even suicide. As a society, we are only now coming to a deeper awareness of the extent to which bullying of every kind occurs in homes, schools and in the workplace. Many victims feel trapped, desperate and emotionally crippled as a result of the horrific experience of bullying. There is a culture of silence about this problem. Bullies often operate under the guise of "only joking", "having a little fun", "winding up people" or "having some craic". All this adds to the pain, hurt, trauma and humiliation of the victim. Victims of bullying need to understand the causes of the problem and to identify effective strategies for confronting bullies. The Spiritans (Holy Ghost Congregation) and the Presentation Sisters wish to respond to the problem of bullying in a pastoral manner by offering a seminar on Confronting Bullying in the Workplace, Home and School.

Who should attend this seminar?

This seminar will be of special interest to: victims of bullying; those accused of bullying; managers of companies, schools, hospitals, health and community centres; trade union officials; parents; partners; teachers; counsellors; nurses; social workers; gardaí; prison officers; members of the armed forces; religious; pastors, priests or anyone in a position to help the victims of bullying, and the bullies themselves.

Aims of the seminar

The aims of the seminar are to:
Deepen public awareness of the problem of bullying in homes, schools and the workplace;
Discuss the destructive factors of bullying;
Analyse some of the common causes and effects of bullying;
Identify strategies for addressing bullying in the workplace, corporate sector, schools and homes;
Reflect on ways in which the civil law can support victims of bullying.