Oct 23, 2012 2 min read

Recently, I witnessed the results of bullying at a local sixth-grade basketball game. Whether children and even some adults realize it or not, name-calling is a form of bullying and intimidation. Name-calling and obscene gestures made at players of another team, both during and after a game, resulted in a parent confronting the parents of one of the children using the offensive language. Naturally, the parent from the offending player’s team, in defense of their child, became loud and rather hostile. While our children should be comforted to know that their parents “have their back,” they certainly should be held accountable for their actions. The coach for that team did offer an apology for the bad behavior. However, the parents of that one particular child stomped off and continued to scream things at the parents still seated. It wasn’t about the game, but about what was said and done. There is no excuse for parents to enable their children to bully others. Instead of being outraged that someone called you on the carpet about your child’s behavior, they should have used it as a learning experience. It is a parent’s responsibility to nurture their children, teach them right from wrong and guide them in the right direction. Parental guidance is essential, as children mimic what they hear and see from the adults around them. Take the time to watch and listen to your children. Ask your child how they would feel if they were bullied. If more people would take the time to do that, the world would have fewer bullies in it. Elizabeth Stasko Washington