Bullying at school has been a problem forever, but now it seems there are more and more of these incidents in public parks, at the mall, on the ballfields, at the local rec center, etc.
Bullies have also learned new tactics: it's not just about beating up smaller kids for lunch money in the hallway. Now, bullies abuse their peers by posting nasty comments or embarrassing pics on the internet, spreading rumors that include accusations of criminal activity via mass text messaging, and harrassing victims via cell phone.
And as in the case with the girls in Florida who lured a 'friend' over to one's house to take turns beating on her, modern bullying is often a 'team sport.' I keep reminding my kids, "if someone wants to 'play a joke' on another kid that is in any way mean spirited, say NO!" Use the old 'would I want this done to ME?' standard, and act accordingly.
And I tell them that if anyone is doing something that makes them feel threatened or even uncomfortable, tell an adult immediately. They are so worried about being 'a tattle tale' or being further abused that they are reluctant to come forward. But bullying won't just stop on its own, and it's better to nip it in the bud than to let the violence play out until lives are ruined.
Hi, great post. I wrote
Hi, great post. I wrote about an outside-of-school bullying incident here (Kids and Airsoft Guns):
http://arizonamoms.com/momtomom/behavior/attitudes/kids-and-airsoft-guns
The police were almost involved because the bullies in question were teenagers, and it was no light matter at all:
It is a caution to parents to think twice before purchasing airsoft guns for their children (these things are not harmless toys). In fact, parents can be charged with a fellony misdemeanor in such cases as I described, and which happened to my 11-year old learning-disabled son yesterday.
I read your post and you are
I read your post and you are a WAY more kindhearted and forgiving mom than I am!!!
But this is probably a stupid question: what is an airsoft gun?
Back in Virginia, a few of the neighborhood kids had paintball guns, and boy was that a disaster. Guns that shoot 1) water or 2) Nerf darts are fine, anything more than that is NOT a toy!!!
Airsoft guns are similar to
Airsoft guns are similar to BB-Guns, the only difference is that the BB-ammo for the airsoft gun is made of plastic and the shooting mechanism works with pressurized air or gas. There many different models. The police use airsoft guns in training, and it is also used for games similar to paintball.
I wasn't aware of this.
I wasn't aware of this. Where have I been? Thanks for sharing.
You are so right about
You are so right about bullying - it has gotten so much worse than when we were kids. My oldest son's school really emphasizes the bullying issue and my son is starting to take it seriously even at 6 years old.
What really drive me crazy is when I'm trying to set examples for my son and then see a parent at a park or somewhere public bully his or her own kid. I think the parent would be mortified if he/she really knew how the conversation or physical act sounded/looked.
Susie is a discussion leader in the east valley for arizonamoms.com. She has two sons, ages 6 and 2.