|
TheBanshee -> Bullies (10/8/2010 6:49:31 PM)
|
There have been some tragic stories in the news lately about bullies and their victims' suicides. While these are completely horrible events, and my heart goes out to the families of the suicide victims - I am concerned about the subsequent legislation proposals, especially where no physical contact has been made.
I am not condoning bullying at all. However, the schools having their "no bully" zones etc etc seems not to be working. Why? Because bullying is often insidious and subtle. Still - while the bully behavior is terrible, in addition to the "no bully" zone policies wouldn't it be wise to also teach coping mechanisms?? Bullies attack via text and Facebook and anonymous covers. I am at a loss how coping through this isn't also stressed in schools whether elementary or college level.
An example. I am seeing Mr. Right, and he's perfect. A pretty girl starts speaking with Mr. Right and being the perfect man he is - he is considerate and respectful and polite to said pretty girl. However, I am jealous, and I tell him I don't want him to be speaking to any pretty girls anymore. This is a pretty girl free zone ('cept of moi of course). Is my jealousy his problem or mine?? Should I legislate all pretty girls to stay 50 feet from Mr. Right? Shouldn't someone who has this insecurity be counseled?
I understand in one of the cases the girl who killed herself had some psychological problems before she was involved with her bullies.
My point is it is extremely difficult to legislate social behavior - if one student has a dislike for another and words are exchanged, is that really bullying? What if one of the subjects later has an extreme reaction - should the other student be targeted in a criminal investigation? What if a group of friends doesn't want to share a lunch table with someone? Maybe not nice behavior - but is that being a bully?
How someone treats another is their problem. How that person reacts to such behavior is his own responsibility.
|
|
|
|
