Bullying in our schools is not something we should shrug off as "kids being kids." It is a serious problem that can affect a young person’s confidence, education and willingness to simply walk through the school doors each morning.
Bullying can take many forms. It can happen in the hallway, on the playground, in the classroom, on the bus or through social media. Sometimes it is obvious. Other times it is hidden behind a screen or disguised as a joke. Whatever the form, it needs to be taken seriously.
Schools have a responsibility to create an environment where every student feels safe and respected. Teachers, administrators and staff must recognize bullying, respond promptly and make it clear that cruelty toward another student will not be tolerated.
But schools cannot do this alone.
Parents need to talk with their children about treating others with respectand they need to listen when a child says something is wrong. Students also have an important role. Standing up for someone who is being picked on, telling an adult and refusing to participate in bullying can make a tremendous difference.
Perhaps most importantly, we need to teach our young people that being different is not a weakness. Every student deserves the opportunity to learn, make friends and grow without being made to feel ashamed of who they are.
We cannot eliminate every disagreement or hurt feeling from childhood. But we can draw a firm line when teasing becomes harassment, humiliation or intimidation.
A school should be a place where children come to learn-not a place where they have to worry about being targeted.
Bullying should never be accepted as normal. It is everyone’s responsibility-schools, parents, students and the entire community-to make sure every child knows they belong.
There is no room for bullying in our schools. And there should be no excuse for ignoring it.