Science Forums 2

[enorbet2]

Hello Michaelangelica

May I offer the suggestion that it be handled similarly to the last step you mentioned, one of education (what schools are supposed to do best) but instead of stooping to humiliation which is likely how they got to be bullies in the first place eg: bullied at home. Instead it could be noted that bullies do not ordinarily take on equals, let alone bigger, badder (sic) individuals but rather those perceived as the weakest not only physically but socially. Once average kids begin to notice what a cheap shot it is, what a minor even non-achievment it is, it begins to take away the bully's motivation ie. recognition, fear, and respect.

Once an individual shows that this is not sufficient deterrent it should be taught that it is all student's duty to report bullies, anonymously at first, to the office so they can be given help since they likely need either therapy, social services (pointing out again the parental connection) or both. This would have the added effect of indirectly threatening a bullying parent and a bullied child is unlikely to risk getting their bullying parent in trouble while also increasing the likelihood of people risking the report since they can see it is helpful rather than punitive (breaks the raison d'etre for the No Rat rule).

Oh yeah and reducing if not eliminating special privileges for groups favored because of teacher/administrator bias eg Athletes, one of the groups with inherently high percentages of bullies.

I hope this thread gets lots more attention as it is a serious, but treatable, issue.