How many more schools shooting our country has to go through to understand that the problem starts with some kids "bullying" other kids pushing them to the edge and sometimes making them a wrong and terrible decision: a need for revange. These incidents are nothing but the fatal combination of abuse, lack of communication, indifference and easy access to weapons!
The "bullying" that you and me went through, while we were going to school is history now. Some "today' bullies" not only humiliate classmates to the tears and make them hate to go to school, they also also use threats to force the other kids to give them money and other items like food and goodies. They push them in the halls and wait for them in the bathrooms to beat them up. They literally make their lives a living h@#&*!
All these actions, if placed in the adult world, would be punishable crimes from theft to battery and sometimes even rape. Why do we tolerate this behavior? Why don't do enough when a kid complains of being "bullied"? And as parents why we rather close our eyes and just say: "It's OK honey, we all went through the same thing when we were kids".
Wrong! If your child is telling you this, it is because he (she) has already exhausted any other ways to stop the "bullying" and he (she) is scared, feels lonely and desperate. And if it is your child the one doing the "bullying" you have the task, as a parent, to talk to your kid and stop him or her from being abusive and cruel. Knowing and not correcting the problem is just like raising futures inmates? (As a matter of fact inmates "bully" other inmates while incarcerated too).
When exactly is enough of being bullied? Why kids are killing kids while adults just ignore the signs of this abuse that 20 years ago was absolutely intolerable? We can blame the movies and the video games and continue to do nothing about it, or keep on thinking: "This couldn't happen here!" Until the day it does happen here and to your own kids!
If you know your son or daughter is being one more victim of bullies in school, stand up for him (her)! Go talk to the principal and even complain to the school board! And if it is necessary talk the parents of these kids before you go to the authorities. Most of the times school authorities will make the necessary changes to protect your child, but you need to request it! "Bullies" do not push around the other kids in front of teachers, and if your kid is afraid and doesn't tell the teacher, you need to let them know!
Some kids won't even tell their parents that they are being "bullied" because they think the problem will just get worst. As a parent you need to know when something is wrong so you can first "listen" and then help them, because if you are not on their side who will be? Here are some signs:
- They don't want to go to school, they skip classes, are always in a bad mood and asilate themselves from the rest of the family.
- They talk all the time about punching, kicking, and display attraction for violence through video games, movies etc.
- Eats too much or looses too much weight.
- Spends too much time in his (her) room and always refuses to spend time with the family.
- Most of the kids will tell their parents what is going on or the "bully" name will pop in a conversation PLEASE! Listen to your child because even if it is not a straight call for help, the fact that he (she) even mention it to you means they do need your help to stop this situation.
Maybe if we all join forces something will be done about these "school crimes" that are being overlooked and trigger even more violence among our children. Let's stop this epidemic now that we can still do it. Don't wait until your kid is cuffed in the back of a patrol crying for mom and dad! Because then... is just too late!