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The Schoolyard Bully is Outdated

A study was recently discussed on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 that tries to explain the roots of the modern bully. Let's start by taking a look at this video -

http://mw.cnn.com/snarticle?c=cnnd_us&p=10&aId=20111010%3Aac-360-bullying-study%3A1

"This idea of the schoolyard bully beating you up and taking your lunch money is outdated."

To sum it up, they have found that there are still instances of bullies victimizing insecure kids at school because they (the bully) has some type of insecurity, psychological issue, or lack of confidence; More often, however, the "normal" kids in the middle of the social heirarchy are taking part in aggressive behaviors to climb higher up the social ladder. The most common type of bullying seems to be psychological as opposed to physical.

The root of the problem still comes down to confidence. When kids move into middle school and high school, we need to have instilled in them the confidence to know that they do not need to belittle and put down other kids to gain popularity. We need to teach them that the courage to resist the "norm" and stand up for what is right is far more valuable then the popularity gained by putting down those around them. This culture of bullying is prevalent not only in schools right now but in the workplace also.

This issue does not stop when we graduate high school. We continue the destructive path of putting down others to achieve our own objectives, and usually feel that we need to because "everyone else is doing it." WITHOUT A DOUBT, children that grow up in this environment will naturally pick up on these patterns adults display and will take it with them to school. What children need now are positive role models in their lives that are leading lives of confidence, respect, courage and discipline. If these people lead by example, children will follow. Parents, teachers and community leaders have to tell our children to not give in to the "norm."

At schools, this is the number one way to put an end to bullying - for EVERYONE to do their part. We not only need to instill change in the bullies and victims (1%) but the 99% of children that see it happen and either support it or just watch it. We have to build a foundation of confidence in every child.

I am currently looking into setting up a Bully Prevention tour for East Tennessee schools. If you know of a school that you would like included in the tour please pass along the information! My email address is dcorrigan@pmaoakridge.com.