Outrageous bullying has, unfortunately, become an enormous part of society. Fingers are constantly pointed with no viable solutions to this growing problem among our children. I believe it is a combination of all three of the constants among our children: parents, schools, and society. Let's start with society's role in this fiasco, as I believe this is where the problem begins.
It began with the human rights movement. This movement gave the human race rights it had not had before: freedom of actions, told us how to conduct our personal disciplinary beliefs, that we are all invaluable. While all of the above was a step in the right direction, society forgot to say what is inappropriate with the gaining of these rights, such as cruelty, lack of discipline and respect.
Society took parents' right to discipline their children away, which led to a total lack of respect and no self-worth among our children. Without discipline, children no longer feel loved or guided. They feel insecure and this leads to random acts of cruelty toward others in an attempt to gain the love and discipline they need.
There is also the need for a two income home these days. A state also created by society's constant competitiveness for "bigger and better", driving the cost of living skyward. This takes one parent away who used to oversee the children's behaviour and correct it immediately, rather than hours, days or weeks later.
Next is the parents' refusal to believe their child is capable of such inhumane, awful behaviour. You can only help your child if you are willing to acknowledge the wrongness of their actions. This is a huge problem as no parent wants to accept their child may be on the cruelty fast-track, rather than the kind, loving baby the child used to be. Each and every parent has been guilty of this at some point.
Last, but certainly not least, is the responsibility of teachers and the school system. It is pitiful, indeed, when teachers stand by idly while a group of children is cruel to one. How can you possibly call yourself an "educator" when you stand by and allow the abject cruelty to continue while doing nothing? I know many wonderful educators who willingly go the extra mile, but we have all heard stories on the news of those who do not.
Years ago, my step-son was being roughed up during a no-contact game at recess. Finally, he swore at the boy who was playing rough. The teacher standing by -- who had watched the entire altercation -- hauled him to the office and called my husband. Once the story became clear, with the teacher admitting honestly to her lack of action until inappropriate language was used, my step-son was released and the other child disciplined for his despicable behaviour. Hopefully, it was a lesson she learned well enough never to repeat. Thankfully, the issue ended there. Many times, it does not.
So what is the solution to ending the reign of bullies? Simple. Consequences that fit their crime. Support from society. Support from parents. Support from schools. This cruelty must end before countless children are forever scarred.
