Critical theory is about society and the way in which we are all dominated by

society, the social structures and the power structures at a certain time
(EDC1015:26). Its important to note that bullying is typically a group
phenomenom, rather than individual motives like personal malevolence
(Rigby:2003) . Bullying is commonly carried out by one or two people with the
passive support of others (Pepler & Craig:1995). Critical theorists believe
everybody has a voice. One of their main ideas include wanting to liberate
everybody from oppression. This is perfect in Tshidi's case. Bullying is a form of
oppression. This means the educator can get some insight on how to handle the
situation, by using critical theory. According to Walton 2005b (cited in ......) an
example of this approach is empathy taining for those who bully and confidence
building for victims.

Empathy traing involves a teacher or counsellor meeting with the group who
have been bullying someone. Its important to do this in front of some other
children. Morals and ethics are very important to critical theory, so the teacher
should explain the suffering that the victim has been enduring. They need to
know the full extent of their behaviour and the effects it has on other people.
They are asked to put themselves in the victim's shoes. In all aspects of life,
communication is key. Proper communication though. Using our words, without
the intent to hurt others. If this method does not seem to work, getting the
parents involved is the next best thing.

Bullying can heavily influence learners' identities or personalities. This can be

seen clearly with Tshidi. She's a top-student, which means she is smart. That
should already provide her with some sort of confidence, yet she's shy and keeps
to herself. The bullying and isolation from the peer group makes her fade into the
background. For now she might only be struggling with interacting with her
classmates, but later on she might struggle building relationships with other
people if the problem does not get solved. This brings us to confidence training
for the victim.
The first step is to encourage Tshidi to develop her social skills. She doesn't have
to change her personality overnight or at all for that matter, but you as the
educator can give her pointers on how to interact with her classmate a bit better.
It can start small, with something like taking part in small classroom debates.
Even if its just once. The teacher can also move her seat closer to classmates
who shares her interests. She's usually shy, so the teacher moving her takes her
out of her comfirt zone. Its been said confronting our fears builds self-confidence.
That being said, you as the teacher need to help her confront her fears.

We've spoken about the importance of morals and ethics, as well as assessing
power structures withing the peer group. Two of the many advantages to critcal
theory. In addition to that, approaches have been suggested to help Tshidi with
her problem

In conclusion its important to note that critical theory has a lot of advantages to
teaching and learning. Its a great tool for bullying prevention, but more
importantly, it encourages emancipation. With that said, using a critical theory
approach, you as the educator can help Tshidi find her voice and stand up for
herself.

Craig, W.M. and Pepler, D.J. (1995). Peer Processes in Bullying and
Victimization: A Naturalistic Study. Canada

Rigby, K. (2003). Addressing bullying in schools: theory and practice [online].

Available at: https://aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi259 (Accessed:30 March
2019). Australian institute of criminology. Australia

Study Guide for EDC1015: Theoretical frameworks in education. (2009).

University of South Africa

Yoon, J & Bauman, S. (2014). Teachers: A Critical but overlooked component of

Bullying prevention and intervention, Theory into practice,Volume (53) [online].
Available at https://doi.org/10.1080/00405841.2014.947226 (Accessed: 30 March
2019)