Bullying and Children

[Chocko]

When I went to school, their was usually one or two "bullies" in the school that were not popular, were know trouble makers, and did not fit in. It seems to have changed since I went to school. Bullies seem to be the popular kids, everyone wants to do what they do, bullying seems to have spread like a virus and the victims are in the minority now.

Standing up to a bully and 3/4 of the class has proven to be too tough for many kids (a child in my son's class who now refuses to go to school and his parents have had to pull him out).

I am very worried that unless your child supports the bullying movement he or she may end up the victim, against a wave of cruelty, not just one or two meanies.

What can we do about this? What can the school system do? Why has this changed so much since I went to school?

[Bajita]

As a teacher, I can say that bullying is no longer a subject that gets overlooked. Our society as a whole has become too violent and at the same time, too litigious for administrators not to react when it is reported. However, herein also lies a problem. The admins have to know to be able to help and many times, it doesn't get reported especially at my level (high school).

Then there's the concept of cyber bullying which is really causing problems for the schools because what begins as taunting on-line turns into worse when the kids involved are face to face at school. Many school systems are looking at their options in dealing with this and it is a difficult one to handle. :(

Having taught for 17 years and 13 of those in the same school, I will say that I don't think the number of actual bullies has increased. It is the actual bullying itself that has changed. In my day, it was name calling and razzing. Now, it's text messages, My Space (which I loathe) and IM.

I think in order to prevent our kids from being victimized, we have to extra vigilant and proactive on behalf of our kids.

I know that I will be.