LETTER Schools should not tolerate bullying
When will our schools enforce a zero-tolerance policy on bullying?
At Washington High School, bullying has become the norm. I hear stories almost daily regarding it and, yes, it is reported. Yet little to nothing is done about it. Both verbal and physical abuse occur, but if it is not caught on camera or seen by a teacher, it never happened. When a person who is a victim of bullying steps forward, they are often grilled about what they do to provoke the action, told to stay away from the perpetrator, and labeled a snitch.
Each time a bully gets away with it, they are emboldened, and begin to feel untouchable. The kids they bully become depressed, and some threaten suicide. In extreme cases, some turn to violence themselves. Bullying affects the way a child performs in school. It even affects summer break. After all, bullies could still live in the neighborhood.
Where are the parents in all this? Most are oblivious. It is the responsibility of parents to speak to their children about bullying. Otherwise, it will never go away. Stricter action is needed by both parents and school officials.
Our children are not little angels. They are trying to find their place in the world. Let’s teach them good values, provide proper discipline, be positive influences, listen to them, help them with their homework and monitor their activities.
Beth Stasko
Washington