Has Physical Bullying in Schools Become Less Common?
During my eight-year stint as a substitute teacher ranging from second graders to high school seniors, I did not observe any physical bullying. The usual verbal banter was significantly reduced due to a lot of political correctness (PC) and anti-bullying signs in the hallways. However, I did notice a lot of underlying tension and frustration among staff and administration. Students today are extremely conscious of words, which I see as training a new generation of weak, unable snowflakes.
Physical Bullying: A Wider Definition
No, the definition of physical bullying has expanded to include more subtle power dynamics involving violence as a means to humiliate or harass others. The typical form of bullying persists, but it differs. The U.S. public school system is institutionally flawed in responding on a national scale to this problem. We can blame the families of the children who perpetuate this culture of violent behavior for that. Yes! It’s not the kids; they are not exactly sound judgment, now are they? Teens are just dumb, that’s what I’m saying.
The Role of Parents
Parents, on the other hand, are also being blamed. They should change their internal structures to cultivate a culture of human decency, respect, and tolerance of others' differences instead of domestic turmoil and discriminatory views. Many parents pass down these views deliberately or through second-hand exposure to their racist, sexist, and xenophobic homophobic views. It is not that there is anything inherently wrong with tradition and being conservative; it is when the tradition being upheld is a racially, sexually, and ethnically discriminatory culture of hate. Just saying let’s look at the real problem of bullying in schools: the bullies. Who are these bullies? The parents. Why? The kids just regurgitate what they hear from their role models or are directly told by their parents.
Educating Parents and Children
Instead of shooting the messenger, parents should look in the mirror. If your kid got hit in the face for acting like a bully, ask yourself, “Am I doing the right thing here? Have I taught my child to be a decent person and not a pseudo-sociopathic ignorant monster? Is he respectful of others and their different appearances, genders, bodies, and ethnicities?” If the answer is “yes, I am and yes I have done all of that,” then go ahead and trouble the underpaid administrator. However, consider the consequences of your actions.
Conclusion
The key to reducing bullying in schools lies in educating both parents and children. By fostering a culture of human decency, respect, and tolerance, we can address the root causes of bullying. It is essential to recognize the role of parents in perpetuating these behaviors and to encourage them to be role models and to educate their children accordingly.
Keywords: physical bullying, school violence, anti-bullying measures