Editorial “Stand up to bullies” suggests in part:
“Kids have to be taught that bullying is wrong. Victims of bullies have to feel empowered to report abuse to adults, whether at school or at home, in the assurance that the grownups will take the situation seriously and will take action.
“Just as importantly, kids who are neither bullies nor victims need to be clear that bullying behavior is socially unacceptable, and they need to be courageous enough to make a stand against bullies…
“Parents also have to be the “hall monitors” of their children’s online activity. There’s no excuse for Mom and Dad not to have passwords to their kids’ Facebook and Twitter and Instagram accounts, and to check them regularly. No password, no social media. Scroll through the text messages on a child’s cellphone. Take a look at the call list (because kids today seem rarely to make actual phone calls, this part shouldn’t take long)…”
WATCHDOG: Three wags of the tail.
Parents need to check both that their child isn’t being bullied and that their child isn’t bullying others!
Also, a child who is being physically bullied might well be entered into a martial arts program. This seldom leads to fighting. Rather, it generates self-confidence. Bullies pick on people who are afraid of them.
Reconcile the fact that many “successful” people in America are bullies. Preparation for life: Bully or be bullied.
Amen to the Watchdog!