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Lisa LaGrou www.Mommy-Network.com
A friend of mine sent me this Newsweek article on bullying and cyberbullying. The issues of bullying and cyberbullying have been getting a lot of attention lately. Ellen Degeneres' show has been having her guests bring about bullying awareness and share painful life experiences.
Sadly, a lot of this awareness is born out of the recent, tragic suicides that have taken place due to children being stalked and preyed upon by bullies.
I "got into this" a few years ago. Bullying has been around forever but it became more apparent to me how much easier it is these days to truly pick on someone and destroy their spirit. Don't believe me? Go into YouTube sometime and look at some of the cruel comments that get posted on any kid daring enough to post his artwork or his music online. Type in "school fight" and you'll also see what I'm talking about. Imagine being a kid and being taunted on facebook in addition to fearing a physical attack at school. It's not limited to kids. Check out a hot topic on your favorite newspapers' websites and see vicious volleys by "adults" that go back and forth in the comment sections. When I was in school bullies were on the bus or in the lunchroom. Now, because of technology, it's much easier to harass someone and get away with it. It can be done constantly and facelessly.
The Newsweek article deals with anti-bullying as a hot "cottage industry." That's a difficult concept for someone like me to grasp. I mean, just a few years ago, we were a bunch of moms complaining and trying to raise awareness. Now it's an industry. The article points out the numerous anti-bullying software programs now available from the I.T. world and how higher education is now looking into anti-bullying training programs to teach at universities.
I'm thrilled that the recent buzz is translating into new actions and tough laws. I especially like the fact that states are now passing regulations that require schools to set up systems to investigate bullying at the school level. I hope that the passion behind the cause is fueling the surge in awareness and it's not just a way for some to try to make money or make a name for themselves. Either way, I predict many good things will continue to grow out of this awareness. It's too bad so many had to suffer needlessly while the "grown ups" figured all of this out.
The real progress in preventing bullying and cyberbullying that can be made immediately still remains within the walls of your own home. Talking to children and noticing the effects of bullying is still the best way to see if there are problems you need to be aware of. Click here for a list of resources, tips and safe options for kids to explore on-line.
