I am simply shocked when I hear recent stories of bullying that are going on in school's everywhere. Stories of online social media bullying, anonymous school bullying and actual physical bullying scare me and sadden me practically to tears. Stories of suicides as a result of bullying are just the lowest of the low.
As a former teacher, this was a hot topic, and I know it still is. Now, as a parent, I am more interested in this topic than ever, and I know you other parents feel the same way. We have got to do some kind of bullying prevention. We can't wait until it is too late and the damage has already done, because soon it will be happening to my children and yours, if it hasn't already.
I am afraid that children's learning is suffering because of the fear of bullying. Check out this statistic: "Psychologists estimate that 160,000 children stay home from school every
day because they are afraid of being bullied." - National Association
of School Psychologists. Isn't that terribly sad? Education is such a key component in raising a healthy child, and if our children don't even feel safe at school, how are they supposed to get the most out of this time of learning?
I have thought long and hard about homeschooling, with bullying being one of the reasons in my decision. For right now, that is the path we are taking. But, someday, I do want to enroll my children in school, and that is why I think we all need to take a serious interest and be active in helping to stop bullying before it is completely out of control. Each of us can make a difference!
What are your thoughts on this hot topic?
*Cara was compensated for this post. All opinions are completely her own.*
Our son was bullied in 4th and 5th grades until we were able to get him into a different school. It was a country school and all the other kids were born and raised there. He was an outsider who had had many more experiences than most of them would ever have.
ReplyDeleteOur grandson was attending the same school and suffered bullying. He was born and raised here, but it didn't make any difference. He is a polite, soft-spoken boy. My daughter pulled him out of school two years ago and is home schooling him.
We live in a nice rural area, but there are some pushy, territorial people out there. Teachers and administration either can' or won't control the problem kids.