I am heartbroken for a couple friends this week who are dealing with one of the worst child scarring issues; bullying. While most schools have a ‘no bullying policy’, it seems they lack the ability to do anything to stop it from ever starting or truly end it once it does. They made a movie in the 90’s called “Mean Girls” but it could have been named “Mean Kids”, as it is not just girls that are the problem. Unlike most of the kids I know or write about dealing with difficult issues these days, the following kids are NOT LGBT. Most would see them as just everyday all American kids.
“Anger, hate, hostility and ignorance from other children have caused this child to face this pain in a way no person should.”
I just learned this week of a sweet child trying to take their own life at school and thankfully failed in their attempt. They had been bullied so bad that they felt this was the only answer. They are in elementary school, not even a ‘tween yet! I am utterly heartbroken for this child and family, and I cannot imagine receiving this call. Anger, hate, hostility and ignorance from other children have caused this child to face this pain in a way no person should. This young kid should not be worried about leaving this place because of other people! They should be enjoying life.
Another parent I know describes her child being put down and ridiculed for not having the best or most expensive gear for school. Functionality tends to be my focus over fashion, but not in the case if these kids. These are middle school aged kids mind you, not working, self-providing individuals. The vast majority of these kids are privileged beyond belief and expect to have the newest, most expensive name brands; things I do not even have as an adult. This is learned from their parents and creates entitlement, which only leads to this behavior, sadly.
These stories I share also come on the heels of another one I just read where some athletes bullied and then raped a fellow student, who just happened to be mentally disabled. Athletes are supposed to be the leaders of the school and the ones people look up to, but these stellar subjects are no better than criminals, they are the criminals.
“Our schools are failing not only our LGBT students, but all of our students.”
Our schools are failing not only our LGBT students, but all of our students. If our kids cannot go to school without bullying, rape or hazing, how are they supposed to grow up and trust one another and be a future productive society? What are parents failing to teach their kids at home that allows them to become the ones who are the bullies?
Our differences are what make us unique and beautiful. Until people start to realize and embrace this, we will continue to have younger and younger suicides. We will continue to see depression on the rise and a world full of hurt. Our children should be light and love, carefree and excited for life, not looking for a way to exit. We need to teach our kids to be the one to lift up another having a tough time, to sit with the kid that is eating lunch alone or befriend the new student. It does not matter if a child has a disability, worn out clothes or shoes, or is not the prettiest or most handsome kid in class. Be the parent that teaches your child empathy, compassion and caring. It will benefit your child further and better in life than being able to spot a Coach purse knockoff at twelve.
