Book Review - Hey, Back Off !! by Jennie Withers

Book Review



HEY, BACK OFF! Tips for Stopping Teen Harassment
by Jennie Withers with Phyllis Hendrickson

About the Author

So about me, Jennie Withers. My first priority is being a mom. I am lucky to have two daughters, ten and eight, who teach me something new every day. I am also stepmom to a very intelligent seventeen year old. I am married to a great guy who lets me, be me. We live and play in Boise, Idaho.

I graduated from Boise State University in Boise, Idaho - GO BRONCOS! I started teaching in 1996, but after the 2010-2011 school year I decided to hang it up and focus on writing. I still hope to work with teens through workshops and things. I have taught Sophomore and Senior Language Arts, Reading, Creative Writing and Technical Reading and Writing.

I enjoy watching (particularly Boise State football) and playing sports. I am an Idahoan, so outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and fishing are a must. Of course, reading and writing are also important in my world.

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About My Book

Bullying among teens is epidemic. Many teens are harassed on a daily basis by mean text messages(cyber bullying), sexual harassment, teasing (verbal), hitting or punching (physical) and some are guilty of harassment without knowing they are perpetrators of illegal acts. Now teens will understand that bullying can have serious long-term consequences on self-esteem and be the root of antisocial behaviors, dropping out of school, health problems and even suicide.

"Hey, Back Off!" by Withers and Hendrickson is the first comprehensive teen guide to harassment prevention. It uses narrative real life examples and stories that are relatable to teens, while incorporating strategies and coping tips for not only teens, but also parents and educators to help stem this growing epidemic that is affecting 60-80 percent of school children.

Book Review

This is a great book for all parents who have teenage or pre-teen children.  As a parent myself I certainly found the book useful and in parts an eye opener.  Each chapter deals with a separate issue, such as understanding the meaning of harassment, learning about the law and support resources, taking the personality quiz, doormat kids and passive parents, bullies and aggressive parents, winners and positive parents, dealing with harassment issues.  Throughout the book there are work tables, questions and answers, goals for both child and parent.

Through each chapter the author gives us an insight to what constitutes intimidation, bullying and harassment with clear and definitive descriptions.   Explaining what signs to look for in our child and most importantly to talk to our children on a daily basis to find out if there is an underlying cause to certain behaviour.

Informing us also of what is expected both from the establishment your child is attending and also what law (US only) states is expected and which is unlawful.  These guidelines are great for a parent to know so they know where they stand with the law and the educational department.

The book then describes the different personalities the teenager will have or show, as well as the parent!!  For example, if you are a dominant parent - does that make your child passive? and vice versa.  There is a multi-choice personality quiz for both child and parent to complete which points towards us having an assertive, aggressive or passive personality.  Don't worry it then follows on, in detail, how this can be changed.

From case studies and intensive research the book picks out the important pieces of information, both from the mistakes that we can make and the over protectiveness, to try and make us as parents understand our children and the signs and emotions they display better.

The important message the book portrays is that as a parent, if we do notice something our of the ordinary in our childs behaviour we must act, knowing your own child and being assertive will stop and prevent further harassment.  A really informative read for all families.

Our Rating

  

Available at Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com


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