How To Stop Bullying -- a few suggestions.

We've been thinking -- a lot.  And while this may or may not be seen as a good thing (in so many ways...), we've decided that there are some very specific things that need to be considered when it comes to bullying.  With that in mind, we've made the following list and hope it gives everyone some starting places when it comes to getting past the bullying epidemic in our society.

Here's our list of the top ten ways to end bullying:

1. Learn the facts
2. Understand the language
3. Stop bad behavior
4. Set the policy
5. Plan school-wide activities
6. Be public
7. Address cyber bullying
8. Train and educate everyone
9. Work for comprehensive health education
10. Resources, resources, resources

Now, like Glinda the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz said, "it's always best to start at the beginning."  So pick your point and grow from where you are, but whatever you do, know that your effort is for the good of us all.

   
  

Quote for the day

"The best indicator of a sociopathic serial bully is not a clinical diagnosis but the trail of devastation and destruction of lives and livelihoods surrounding this individual throughout their life."
~ Tim Field

Scarey, isn't it?  Now, what can we do to fix it?

Quote for the day

"One would not expect a victim of rape to have to single-handedly identify, trace, catch, arrest, prosecute, convict and punish the person who raped her. Targets of bullying often find themselves doing all of these whilst those in positions of authority persistently abdicate and deny responsibility."

~ Tim Field

Administrative back turning and essentially walking away is not acceptable, and yet it happens every day.  The frightening part is that students are damaged in the process.

 

In The Name Of One

The name I have in mind is that of Warren Lewis, an 18-year old student of North Forest ISD (Houston, TX).  Warren is not the kind of kid anyone would expect to be a victim of bullying.  He is well-manered, well-spoken, and responsible.  He is tall and strong, handsome and athletic, a leader in the classroom and on the playing field.  And yet, he was bullied and assaulted in school, while attending classes.  When school officials ignored both Warren and his mother, leaving him on his own, he felt he had to protect himself, and he did.  Now he is facing aggravated assault charges.

You have to know that none of that was a part of his plan when he went to school with his homework done, right?

Well, now Warren needs your support.  He needs money for legal defense and he needs to know that he is not alone.  You can contribute money to his defense fund on Indiegogo.com.  You can contribute to the safety and sanity of EVERY student by speaking up and taking a Step Up For A Student.