Perspectives on Bullying and Difference

Colleen McLaughlin is a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Head of the Faculty of Education, Cambridge University. Her research focuses on bullying and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities; counselling in schools; and aspects of personal, social and emotional development in schools. Richard Byers is a Lecturer in Special and Inclusive Education, at Cambridge University. He has worked in schools and colleges and in community-based provision. Caroline Oliver is a Research Associate at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge.

This is the first comprehensive examination of the vulnerability of children with special educational needs and/disabilities to abuse from fellow pupils at school. The expert contributors to this much needed book not only thoroughly examine the existing body of relevant research, but also show how the risk to the physical and mental health of such children can be reduced by well-considered educational policies and school practices. Perspectives on Bullying and Difference is a timely and important book. Ken Rigby PhD Adjunct Professor, University of South Australia School bullying can have disastrous consequences, and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are particularly at risk, as many examples in this book eloquently demonstrate. McLaughlin, Byers and Oliver provide an in-depth but accessible analysis of this, and of what can be done. Particularly valuable are the chapters giving the different perspectives of pupils, parents and practitioners. This will be an invaluable resource for those concerned about the well-being of such children. Peter K Smith Emeritus Professor, Unit for School and Family Studies, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK