|
Editorial: Fortifying against bullies
Op-Ed · September 17, 2015
The Sept. 5 meeting to establish an anti-bullying group in West Branch provided a lot of practical, helpful information for families with children struggling with bullies, even though this meeting only touched on the highlights of the subject.
We would like to congratulate Mike and Betty Kessler for the courage to start such a group, and for bringing in the experience of Chuck and Tania McAtee, founders of Tipton Against Kids Being Bullied. We found ourselves encouraged by school administrators who not only attended, but provided vocal support for the group as well as offering help to anyone who feels bullied in school. We were further encouraged that West Branch Police Chief Mike Horihan shared his belief that, in his experience, the school district works quickly to address bullying.
In this introductory meeting, the Kesslers and McAtees gave good tips on how to collect evidence of bullying, like screenshots of text messages, printouts of e-mails, etc., and that warning someone that they should stop makes them aware of their bullying — not everyone realizes it. It also draws a line that, if crossed, shows the bully is knowingly continuing unwanted behavior. The big question is tougher to answer: How can we, as parents, mentally prepare our children so that they do not suffer long-term effects like depression, falling grades, thoughts of suicide and anti-social behavior?
History teaches us bullying will always exist. So how can we teach self-worth, confidence, the difference between right and wrong and other lessons that ward off despondency?
We welcome this new anti-bullying group to the community and hope parents and children can find answers that will help curb bullying and strengthen families.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
