Bullying and its Effect on Our Youth

It is only recently that bullying has come to light as a major problem.Bullying has been around as long as man has,so it's really nothing new.Many people think that the recent deaths of some victims of this epidemic is a tragedy.It's not.It's outright terrorism.

Bullying is terrorism.Bullies terrorize our young people on a daily basis and we know nothing of it.Why not? Because our children don't talk to us and we don't talk to them.Most of us grew up learning to deal with school life on our own.An attempt to 'teach us' on how to deal with the real world.But at what cost?


I've said this before and I'll keep saying it until someone listens,there is no way of knowing how many suicides are directly caused by bullying.Even in death our children and young adults are AFRAID of the ridicule of being bullied.I don't have all the answers on preventing bullying,I don't think anyone does.But we have to start somewhere.

One way to start is TALK to your children.Ask them every day 'How was school? Are you having any problems with anyone in particular?' Now they may not be forthcoming right away but that's just kids.They have a need to prove to us, and themselves,that they can handle problems on their own.In most cases this would be true.

Be active in your child's school activities.Talk with your child's teachers.If there is a problem with the school don't put it off,deal with it right away.If your child is being bullied,find out the name of the child and report him/her/them to the police.You will need to speak to a juvenile officer for the police report.Many schools deal with bullying in their own way.In school suspensions,which leaves the bully in school to further terrorize others.

Out of school suspensions,which is really what the bully wants because they don't want to be in school anyway.Talking to the bullies parents,which doesn't really do a lot because the kids probably bully the parents too or the parents are bullies themselves.Many schools have adopted Bully Free Zones.One school that I know of in my area,is using a box system.The students are allowed to leave notes in boxes throughout the school,anonymously of course,with the bullies name on it.So far it seems to be working.

Signs that your child maybe being bullied include but are not limited to; withdrawing from family activities,a drop in grades,dropping a favorite after school activity such as dance,cheer leading,football,baseball and so on.You know how your child acts at home,pay attention to slight changes in behavior.Look,I know we are all busy with day to day life,but we brought these children into this world to love and care for.We,as parents have to do every thing in our power to ensure their safety no matter where they are.

I know,we can't watch them 24/7.And what about the schools' responsibility to watch our children during school hours?The real responsibility starts at HOME.School IS NOT A BABYSITTER while we are at work.The school's job is to TEACH our children the necessary tools to succeed in life.Most schools have a ratio of 30:1.That's 30 students to 1 teacher.Have you tried being around 30 kids at one time? I have.Believe me it's not easy.

Be aware of the schools bullying policies.Make sure the school has a policy where you will be notified immediately of any problems no matter how trivial or small it may seem.If you can,show up at school uninvited and just observe the school setting,especially at recess or gym classes.Go sit in your child's classes for a couple of hours a week or day if there's a serious problem.

Just talk to your kids about bullying.Make sure your kids aren't afraid to talk to you about anything.Be active in your child's activities at school and after.It's up to us parents to try and stop this bullying before more of our future is lost to suicides.