Posted by Dinah on October 3, 2008, at 14:17:41
In reply to Re: Bullying » Phillipa, posted by HyperFocus on October 1, 2008, at 19:22:06
I didn't fight back either, and I don't consider it a lack of courage. It took a fair amount of courage to stick to my own set of standards. Kids shouldn't have to fight back.
I'd like to see an adult going to work and being treated the way bullied kids are treated. Physically even, not just emotionally. No one would tell that adult to give a sharp punch to their coworker. Or to smile and bear it. They would say the conditions were untenable and they'd either contact the authorities or they'd walk away. People would be hauled away to jail for what kids are expected to bear and fight back on their own.
It's not right, and it should be addressed institutionally. Rampant bullying will end when it is no longer tolerated. It's no different than any other institutionally sanctioned form of abuse. We've drawn the line on spousal abuse, and on hate crimes. It's time to draw the line on child abuse by peers.
poster:Dinah
thread:853578
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20080929/msgs/855546.html