Bully and Bullied

I think bullying is probably the one of the most damaging things that can happen to kids. When I was growing up, I watched classmates get bullied. In many instances, the child’s self-esteem and willingness to partake in normal school activities vanished. These kids became more and more isolated and I can imagine that carrying on into some of their adult lives.

Bullies don't always act out of insecurity. Never underestimate the ego boost or the mob mentality enjoyed by kids of all ages. And bullies don't always act. As a child, I was the quiet observer who knew how to camouflage myself in a crowd. I thought I was a neutral observer. I didn't goad the brute and I didn't rescue the victim. None of us in the crowd said or did anything. That was part of the problem. The mute onlookers do as much harm as the bully. Studies on bullying state the bullied can remember the faces of those who stood by.

I think society has made progress since the time I went to school in the 1960’s-70’s. Bullying is something we talk about in terms of what each of us can do to prevent it. Schools are taking bullying much more seriously and seeing that there are consequences for terrorizing students. Chances are this behavior will never fully disappear but there are more positive messages of love and understanding.