I travel by several schools each day and they have this logo prominently displayed on their marquees. Bullying is a real problem these days and there is no escape when the child gets home because they still get bullied on Face book. I just found out that a 12 year old boy in our tiny neighborhood killed himself last week because he was being bullied at his middle school. This is so heart-breaking. I didn't know him or his mother nor do I know all of the details. This story never made the news. I know that many bully-induced suicide cases have made the news lately- just think about how many never made the news.
When I was a kid I was bullied and it did a lot of psychological damage. I have low self esteem and I don't stick up for myself like I should. I do feel like I champion the little guys in the classroom. I am much more sensitive to this issue in my classes,but let me tell you- it isn't always the students that are the bullies. If the school system wants to stop bullying they need to start by practicing what they preach. The county office officials reign by fear. There is fear if you speak out about issues. The principals are afraid to stand up against the officials above them due to fear of transfer. The same fear trickles down through the ranks. I know an administrator that was suspended for jacking up a student, sexually harassing teachers and students and he was transferred and promoted to principal. What message does that send to the bullied students and teachers?
People who bully allow that power to replace something that is lacking in their lives. They revel in making someone feel lower than them. Isn't that what made the Nazi's so powerful? As a parent- if you are the mom that gossips with your kids about others- you are part of the problem. Bullying isn't just physical- much of it is psychological. Wake up everyone- let us stop picking on others to transfer the power to ourselves. THAT IS WHAT BULLYING IS ALL ABOUT!
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