Consequences of bullying

Bullying is not something to be taken lightly. It is an ugly, malicious and sometimes dangerous act that has no place in civilized society.

But the truth is that bullying is very much a part of the academic culture, from the elementary school playground through to the college frat house. In the worst of situations it even graduates to the adult world — and no doubt those traits are often then mimicked by children watching their parents intimidate, taunt and push around those they encounter.

Certainly, patterning after abusive adults is one way a bully is born, and there are probably countless others. The key is to stop the behavior as soon as it appears, and typically that’s early on, in the classroom. Schools need to be on high alert for bullies so they can reprimand and then reform them — sending the message that it’s never OK to abuse someone, whether physically or verbally. And make no mistake about it: Bullying is a very real form of abuse. If that intervention does not occur, those bullies will grow into adulthood thinking it’s acceptable to mistreat people or animals. Society must ban together to eradicate that message at all costs.

That’s why it’s so encouraging to see some forward-thinking schools stepping up to the plate. Just this week the Webutuck Central School District opened up quite candidly about harassment happening within its halls and some proactive steps it plans to take to address the problem. No doubt the story of 15-year-old Phoebe Prince, the Irish immigrant who was bullied at a South Hadley, Mass., high school and consequently took her own life, was fresh in the district’s mind. That was a case of bullying at its worst and serves as an example of how powerful hurtful words and actions can be when used to ostracize and ridicule another person.

The need to ensure our schools are safe havens is why Webutuck signed up for Rachel’s Challenge this year — a national program aimed at preventing teen violence, named after the first victim of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting that left 12 students and one teacher dead and 24 injured. Some Webutuck students expressed doubt the program would be effective, and the district appears not only appreciative of their candor, but eager to find workable solutions. All involved seem willing to cooperate and create a better and safer school system as a result.

The Pine Plains Central School District is also participating in Rachel’s Challenge this year. Again, let’s hope the program will be able to provide some much-needed tools for the students, the district and the community to improve school safety for all involved. In light of a recent legal battle that resulted in a jury awarding a former Stissing Mountain High School student $1.25 million for a racial harassment suit, the district could use the added support. There’s no room for discrimination, bullying or harassment in our schools — and if such a culture does exist, such judgments will continue to be handed down, with merit.

The Kildonan School should also be mentioned here, for holding its first ever Day of Silence last week, a national event in its 14th year. It’s sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. Students carried cards explaining their day-long silence, stating, “My deliberate silence echoes that silence which is caused by name-calling, bullying and harassment. I believe that ending the silence is the first step toward fighting these injustices.�

How absolutely wonderful that 50 Kildonan students and 20 staff members wanted to make such a statement. It should also be noted that the Pine Plains district has participated in the Day of Silence for a number of years, much to its credit.

Such participation contributes to a larger picture, where a world can exist without prejudice and hate, bullying and unkindness — something each and every one of us should strive for every single day. So to those making such an effort, thank you, it’s so important to do so and to pass it down to the next generation. Let’s teach people how to respect one another from an early age. It will make our homes happier, our communities safer and the world a better place for all.

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