Don't be a bully

I find that the article posted on MSNBC discussing how a research study found that students were more likely to be subjected to face-to-face bullying than cyber bullying is a bit out of touch with the overall picture. Bullying is bullying whether its done face-to-face or via technology. The damage is done and the torment is still very real.

Some of the responses to the article were a disheartening as well (perhaps a chronic bully him/her-self?):

"Waahhhh! Stop being pissy cry-babies, and take some accountability for your actions. Don't get in compromising positions and there won't be any compromising photos. Parents, there's a reason it's called "rearing" your kids. Also, this is worthy of news? Gimme a break, report on something substantive, not something that a whiny touchy-feely psychologist got his Ph.D. for. Grow some thick skin already! We're becoming a nation of lame ducks!"

This raises the question: Should we discuss cyber bullying with students at differently then we discuss (for the lack of a better term) old-fashioned bullying? I propose that our children need to be made aware of the implications of bullying on a regular basis. Bullying is bullying - we need to address it within our schools and not let another event like these occur.

Red Lake Indian Reservation

Frontier Junior High

Virginia Tech

Columbine