Headlines lead back to bullies. What can we do to stop the bullies?

Carolina has come up with an idea in one of thier schools they take "problem" children out of class and put them in a seperate class away from everyone else. They dont get to leave the room for anything all day except bathroom usage. They can get back into the normal classes by showing that they arent a problem child. otherwise they stay in this class.

These desperate acts don't occur after a single episode of elementary school bullying. They occur after repeated incidents and for years whereby the bully who is often a favored athlete or from influential family is permitted to go by unchecked. When a ZERO tolerance policy is implemented and consistent as to the discipline of the offender then there may be some change. If this were to occur the victim would feel that there was some recourse to follow and value in reporting their perp and thus a safer environment. Couple this suggestion by holding the Administration accountable for any and all incidents then they will be quicker to act no matter who was involved. Race and socio-economic or religious factors would not influence them. Although, these criterion should never influence their decisions it does never the less.

Several years ago , we were fortunate to be in a position to let such an administrator know that we would fully utilize our means and contacts to hold him financially responsible as well as the school district if the bully of our own child did not cease forthwith and a safe environment for said child's education was not provided. It wasn't until we made clear our intent that the administration took action. Prior to that we gave them the benefit of the doubt and ample opportunities to act responsibly. Since then there hasn't been incidents. It isn't necessary for our child to be liked by anyone but he absolutely has the right to an education w/o fear of harm to his person.

We were diligent in letting him know that he could come to us for help and so he didn't suffer torment and internalize anger that could later be explosive as we have recently seen. As to Columbine, the offenders were reprimanded at least a dozen times if not more and nothing more than a slap on the wrist occur ed until the hostility and violence erupted. Again, it also takes parental involvement. Asking the hard questions and not being afraid that the child won't like them as a friend. They need parents to be parents and in this capacity they will be the best friends their kids can ever have.

First off, pay attention! If you see someone being bullied, don't assume its just their problem! Report it! And if you see someone who is constantly bullying others, REPORT IT! Depending on the severity of the bullying depends on who you report it to. From teachers, principals, to the police if needed. If people started getting together, and facing down the bullies, these kinds of behaviors would stop. Don't forget that the bullies need help too. Bullying should not be an accepted behavior, or just part of growing up. IT"S NOT NORMAL! Parents need to be more involved, if your kid is getting constantly picked on, go to the school and talk to someone in charge! Schools, police, and neighbors (and the whole neighborhood!) need to get involved, pay attention and report things!