Bullying and Finding a Solution

Undeniably, bullying is one of the largest central conflicts in the lives of children of all ages. We've seen it over and over yet can't seem to stop it. And in my opinion, it is time for us, as teachers, to take a stand. The influence we have on students could change the course of this problem for the better. So what can we do?

Well, honestly....I don't know. I know that's not the answer you were all looking for, but its the truth. Who really knows the answer? A psychologist? A mother? A father? A specialist? There's no one right answer. Its up to everyone to make an impact on such a large conflict in the lives of children. We need to somehow find a way to bring everyone together again. Whether it be through a way we can show their talents or talk about how everyone is not all that different after all, its up to everyone to show each other they care.

On another note, it's not just the bullied that I worry about. We must not forget the bully in these situations as well. Although they are viewed as the bad guy, the one that caused the problem in the first place, they are also the victim. We need to dig deeper and find a way to connect with them and find out whats missing. We need to believe that they aren't a reflection of their actions and that there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.  If we rebel against the bully, we in turn become the bully. With that being said, finding equality, a balance between peers may be where we need to start.

Take a look at this video, Band of brothers rally around boy to stop teasing, a remarkable story of how kids battle bullying in a non attacking way that builds the confidence of the bullied student and doesn't confront the bullies. Although it is an admirable act of kindness by the students peers, you can see that the bully is forgotten as far as this video goes. We help the bullied but we also help the bully. This is the path we need to explore if we want to make movements in such a central adolescent conflict.