http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/28/opinion/anderson-cooper-bullying/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
When a child commits suicide because of bullying effects, we all need to look in the mirror. Research has demonstrated that 85 out of 100 people are onlookers or witnesses to bullying and its effects.
What would you do if you witnessed bullying? What would do as an adult if a child came to you and reported bullying?
Watch the documentary. Share the information. Don't be a witness who stands there in silence.
Your voice could make the difference between the life and death of a child or adult.
It is a shame that those who report are often ignored or mocked. As a child and as a teacher, I know what it is like to have to go to "bat" for the safety of friends (as a child) and as a teacher in public and religious educational settings.
Making a child who is bullied shake hands and "be friends" with the perseon who is bullying makes only the child who is being bullied change. It is an ineffective approach to deal with the bullying behavior. In fact, it gives the bully more power. Bullying is about power and control.
The person who does the bullying needs as much help as the bullied child. Their behavior needs to be stopped before they do more harm.
The response after a child commits suicide due to bullying is called clean up and recovery for the 99%.
We do have a discussion about the 1% and the 99% in this country.
We can all relate to bullying. At one point in time we have all played the bully, the bullied and the onlooker.
The mirror has three faces in these scenarios.
Marian R. Carlino
March 1, 2013
