We have all heard the news lately. A kid kills himself after being bullied for being gay. Another kid kills himself after being bullied for being different. A grown man kills himself by jumping off a bridge after roommates invade his privacy and record him having sex with a man. It has spawned many ads and tv specials devoted to ending bullying. It would seem that bullying is a new thing. As if it just started with the inception of the Internet or other technologies. But fact be told, bullying has gone on forever. And it will continue.
Some wonder if Bullying is worse now than years ago. I would venture to say no. Ask someone that had their pants pulled down in 1980 is they will feel it was easier for them. Nope. A hurt kid is a hurt kid. Now technology has given rise to new methods of bullying but it still has the same lasting effect on our children as well as adults. When I was in middle school and early high school I felt terrible about who I was. I had strange looks...a big butt, super dry skin, dark and light skin on my face...WOW! Those were the times. But what it took was having a parent that kept me on the right track and made me understand that this stuff will happen but as the ads are saying now...It will get better. And it did. I am glad I made it through those years but many others have not.
Parents need to get to the schools and make sure that the schools are taking an active role to reduce bullying and maximize safety for your kids. If you have to sit in the class with your kid. Talk to the Principal and DOCUMENT! It is the duty of the school to keep your children safe when they are there. And constant bullying is not safety. Stay involved and become an active member of the PTA. This will help you develop a team around you when you need help. Well much love friends!
