Bullying in the Spotlight

The shapers of public opinion in Massachusetts finally seem to have realized that bullying is a real problem in our schools (With an entire meeting on the topic of bullying last Spring, the Citywide Parent Council again demonstrated that it's on top of important issues in education). Just this past Saturday, the Lowell Sun weighed in with an editorial titled "Get tough with bullies." While acknowledging that this is a real problem, the Sun stayed true to its guiding philosophy of knocking everything related to public schools and offered no real solutions. A much more thoughtful and realistic approach was outlined in an OpEd piece in today's Globe authored by state senators Jarrett Barrios and Robert Antonioni. Both senators support pending legislation that will require schools to develop antibullying programs. But with their minds anchored firmly in the realities of 21st Century American society and all of its problems and challenges (as opposed to the Ozzie and Harriet fantasy land favored by the Sun's editorialists) Barrios and Antonioni explicitly state that schools cannot be expected to solve this problem on their own. "We must provide them with tools - like trainings, peer counseling, and expert advice - to reduce bullying before it happens." "Schools must also be encouraged to join in collaborations with community leaders, law enforcement, and district attorneys." "Bullying affects whole communities and requires a communitywide response." Well said - kids don't magically transform into bullies when they walk through the doors of the school building. Their behavior is baggage they bring with them to school, a situation that truly is a reflection of society more than it is a consequence of our educational system. The educational system is part of the solution, but only part. Everyone else has to get involved.