

115: The Difference Between Bullying and Ordinary Meanness (and why it matters) with Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore
4 snips Oct 14, 2024
Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, a clinical psychologist and author specializing in children’s emotional health, discusses the critical distinctions between bullying and ordinary meanness. She emphasizes how mislabeling conflicts can affect resilience. The conversation explores parenting strategies for teaching self-compassion and the significance of understanding online negativity. Dr. Eileen shares techniques to help kids navigate feelings and establish connections, advocating for empathy and acknowledgment of emotions.
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Misinterpreting Bullying
- A middle school boy claimed he was bullied because a classmate told him to stop making an annoying noise.
- Dr. Kennedy-Moore explains this isn't bullying, but ordinary meanness, highlighting the need for accurate definitions.
Bullying Criteria
- Bullying involves targeted meanness, repetition, and a power imbalance.
- Without a power differential, it's ordinary meanness, not bullying.
The Value of Conflict
- Conflict is inevitable because people naturally have differing perspectives.
- Conflict helps us realize that others don't always think like us.