Evidence-Based Anti-Bullying Strategies with Psychologist Evelyn Field OAM (Ep 27)

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What if everything we've been telling children about dealing with bullies is actually making it worse?

In this powerful episode of "For Your Ears from the Early Years," host Lili-Ann welcomes trailblazing psychologist Evelyn Field OAM, FAPS - Order of Australia Medal recipient and leading expert on bullying prevention who has dedicated decades to transforming how we approach this critical issue.

Drawing from her own childhood experiences of being bullied and the profound loss of a child, Evelyn reveals why the common advice to "ignore bullies" or "walk away" can be counterproductive - and shares her groundbreaking six-step Butterfly Model that's helped thousands of children and adults reclaim their power.

🦋 In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why showing fear to bullies guarantees an attack (just like with wild animals)
• The revolutionary "blocking" technique that leaves bullies stunned and powerless
• How to teach children neutral responses like "Fancy that, really, oh dear"
• The brain science behind bullying - why it causes actual brain damage from age 6
• Why resilience isn't what you think it is (Holocaust survivors didn't succeed alone)
• How schools can heal children from difficult homes
• The "Magic Dice" technique that teaches children about perfectionism
• Why mirror neurons are our "social superpowers"

🐕 Meet Harry the Bully Blocker - the therapy dog whose story became the simple tool that distils decades of psychological expertise into wisdom even children can master.

Evelyn challenges everything you thought you knew about bullying prevention, demonstrating that "we need friends and family to survive" - not individual resilience, but social support networks that keep us alive and thriving.

Whether you're an educator, parent, or anyone who works with children, this conversation will transform your understanding and give you practical, evidence-based tools that work. Sometimes, the most radical thing you can do is stay calm, use your social superpowers, and remember that the correct response can change everything.

Key Takeaways:

• The six-step framework: Identify, Understand, Build Self-Esteem, Communicate, Block Bullies, Build Networks
• Why "I" statements work better than "You" statements
• How to help children read social cues and build authentic self-esteem
• Practical phrases that de-escalate conflicts
• Warning signs educators should watch for

About Evelyn Fie

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For more information about Lili-Ann Kriegler, go to:

Kriegler-Education

https://www.kriegler-education.com

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I respect the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land of the Kulin Nation groups, the Boonwurrung and Bunurong people, where I live, learn, and work.

Lili-Ann Kriegler (B. A Hons, H. Dip. Ed, M.Ed.) is an award-winning author and Melbourne-based education consultant. Her books are 'The Power of Play' for educators and 'Roots and Wings' for parents. Lili-Ann’ is a leader in early childhood education (birth to years), leadership and optimising human thinking and cognition. She runs her consultancy, Kriegler-Education. She is passionate about the early childhood sector and believes in the transformational power of education.
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