I think this sounds wonderful! Granted, I'm not sure what the kids and other parents "agreed to", but the part I am applauding is the kids helping each other out, and not taking it to the school authorities. There are enough adults involved that if the situation did become violent, it could be quickly brought to the attention of the appropriate officials.
I believe our society does not do enough to help prevent abuse (whether verbal or physical), to redirect bullies and simply stand up to help others. We have all been in situations where we were made fun of or put down for being a minority or otherwise made to feel that we don't fit in.
Your son, and his friends, sound like they are doing the most difficult thing---which is exactly why many of us adults don't do it---they are Saying Something! Too many of us have ignored bullies and resorted to "Bystander Behavior". We can all be catalysts for change and make a difference in this world---it is all of our responsibility to stand up for what's right.
There has been so many incidences of school violence (high school and college), that it makes you wonder: if a group of peers had helped to stand up to the bullies, helped the "outsider" feel welcome, and/or had Said Something to other adults...would more of the violence have been prevented? Would the bullies find other ways to express their anger? Would the child being bullied have gained self-esteem and some friends along the way?
We won't know the answers to these questions; it's impossible to know what was prevented. But, I think your son and his friends helping one of their peers in a respectful and assertive manner is good for all of us to learn from.
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I think this sounds wonderful! Granted, I'm not sure what the kids and other parents "agreed to", but the part I am applauding is the kids helping each other out, and not taking it to the school authorities. There are enough adults involved that if the situation did become violent, it could be quickly brought to the attention of the appropriate officials.
I believe our society does not do enough to help prevent abuse (whether verbal or physical), to redirect bullies and simply stand up to help others. We have all been in situations where we were made fun of or put down for being a minority or otherwise made to feel that we don't fit in.
Your son, and his friends, sound like they are doing the most difficult thing---which is exactly why many of us adults don't do it---they are Saying Something! Too many of us have ignored bullies and resorted to "Bystander Behavior". We can all be catalysts for change and make a difference in this world---it is all of our responsibility to stand up for what's right.
There has been so many incidences of school violence (high school and college), that it makes you wonder: if a group of peers had helped to stand up to the bullies, helped the "outsider" feel welcome, and/or had Said Something to other adults...would more of the violence have been prevented? Would the bullies find other ways to express their anger? Would the child being bullied have gained self-esteem and some friends along the way?
We won't know the answers to these questions; it's impossible to know what was prevented. But, I think your son and his friends helping one of their peers in a respectful and assertive manner is good for all of us to learn from.
Please tell us what happened!
April 12, 2008 - 1:15pmThis Comment
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