Science Forums 2

[HydrogenBond]

I was bullied once, when I was in the first grade, by an older boy, who was in the second grade. I was lucky, because a third grader stuck up for me. As it turned out, the boy who helped me was the toughest kid in the school. His gesture of kindness went a long way, in gossip mill of the playground, giving me bully immunity, the rest of my time in that school.

What I learned that day, was if you aren't the fighting type, which I wasn't, be friendly and say hello to the tough kids. When the bullies see you say hello to a tough kid, they are not sure of your association and they leave you alone.

I have a nephew, who is a really bright young man, but he is also rough and tumble and also a jock. Starting in about the second grade, he became a protector for some of his smaller but equally smart friends.

If I was a principle in a school, I would recruit some of the older and girls boys, who have a reputation for being alpha. I would have them keep an eye on the bullies and turn my head when they apply some muscle; just as long as it is righteous. This would give all the potential victims of bullies, their own protector.