Bullying is still a problem. There have been social media blitzes, government sponsored campaigns, community rallies, and much more focused on ending bullying. However, it is still happening and kids are still on both sides. There is sure to be an upswing in bully stories and today’s story is creating quite the conversation. Was the bullied child right in stabbing his bully?
A South Carolina boy was the victim of ongoing bullying and had enough. He is being accused of stabbing the boy who had been bullying him in the foot with a metal object. The local police were called in and are investigating. The school district says the victim had non life-threatening injuries, but was taken to the hospital.
The suspect will not be charged as an adult, but the district is investigating and will decided if disciplinary actions will be taken.
First, if this was ongoing bullying, what was the school doing about it? If a teacher knows a student is being continuously bullied, shouldn’t there be some type of intervention? I’m not saying the school did nothing, but it would be nice to know what steps they were taking to help the bullied boy.
Part of me wants to say the bully got what he deserved. Maybe if kids stand up to their bullies we’ll see fewer bullies. I wasn’t alone in this thought. Most of the comments to this story across social media are people saying this is what happens to bullies and maybe it will teach the kid a lesson.
However, violence can lead to reciprocity and it is quite obvious that violence is not the answer. The child who is accused of the stabbing is the one who took the situation to the next level. How horrible for this child who thought he had no other option except to retaliate with violence.
Ultimately, we as parents need to do a better job talking with our kids about bullying. It may be extremely difficult to admit when your child is the bully, but it is necessary for parents to step up and say something. Teachers don’t always see everything and can’t always be within earshot of every student. Kids need to know they can talk to their parents. If a child feels comfortable talking with their parents, the parents can support their child against a bully. Many parents responded that if they knew their child was being bullied they would request to go into the classroom until it stops.
A good place to start for help with bullying is StopBullying.gov. This website has a lot of resources for kids and teens who are in bullying situations and there is even some good information for bystanders and how to help kids who are being bullied.
What would you do if either of these boys were your child? Are you the parent of a bully or a parent of a bullying victim?
