The Bullies' Predatory Footprint

The book provides a comprehensive and informative analysis of the dynamic and self-defence of bullying, and investigates hostile psychosocial behavioural patterns that can be created when different psychological profiles meet. Sustaining and supporting toxic negative values and beliefs, the book references over 200 experts from the specialist subject area of bullying to investigate why environments such as schools, workplaces, institutions, cyber and elderly care communities can become the predatory playgrounds of cruel and contemptible behaviour.

Going beyond the dysfunctional and harmful relationship established between bullies and victims, the book looks at the negative psychosocial risks created when different psychological profiles meet. Referencing over 200 experts from the specialist subject area of bullying, the book provides a comprehensive investigation into the lack of any international acknowledgement of the problem, and the absence of any convention, directive or legislation to regulate the behaviour. The book looks at the lack of any official system in place to statistically record or monitor the problem, quantify the human and financial losses, or provide any benchmark to determine when practical levels of guardianship are breached. Hostile environments without rules, which are best described in Latin as ‘Canis Canem Edit’, meaning “dog eat dog”, result in a wide range of communities such as schools, workplaces, institutions, cyber and elderly care communities becoming the predatory playgrounds of bullies and cyber-serpents, where cruel behaviour becomes a psychological power tool used to exploit and dominate others, and sometimes, a pastime exercised— just for fun. As loss after loss is counted, the clarion cry from communities, families, and friends touched and disabled by its impact becomes nothing more than a humanitarian reflex, when solutions are not followed up and sustained by legitimate action. Tragedies alone become the catalyst for change, as the notion that people are cherished is swept away. Contradictions at the core of moral and democratic values are made evident as the fundamental principles proclaiming all people have the basic right to dignity and respect are brought into question.

Terri Ryan qualified as a Science teacher, in the National University of Cork in Ireland and taught pupils between the ages of twelve and nineteen for several years. After completing a Diploma in Management Studies Terri took up a Senior Management position, as Personnel and Marketing Manager in the Chemical Industry. Later Terri qualified as an Enterprise Instructor helping people to start their own business, and continues to run courses in Enterprise and Bullying while she is completing her PhD studies in Psychology and Legal Studies. Always interested in the topic of bullying, Terri has become a significant figure in helping people to resolve problems of bullying. She travels internationally giving talks and courses, to employers, the elderly, schools, parents, and survivors of abusive behaviour. Terri now lives in Galway and appears regularly on TV and radio, and travels to Europe and the USA, always exploring in a practical way the belief that the root cause of most fundamental problems with bullying rests with people's ability to unite and influence cultural and power shifts that become reflected in legislative, social, and economic changes. Her first book on the topic of bullying, Bullies, Victims and Bystanders, sold out and was featured in many leading newspapers and magazines.