Bullying

Bullying is still an issue that will never go away.  It is a form of harassment, assault and in some cases mugging.  So what can be done to continue the fight?

One of the best ways for school administrators, parents, and a community to do is single out the bully.  Embarrass them so that they know that their behavior does not endear them to anyone.  Make them look foolish, call them bully, and make them ashamed of themselves.  This works because psychologically these kids want to exert their power, but they have to be pushed into a corner to know that they only have power over themselves and that to take freedom away from others is the same behavior that instigates oppression, and degradation of individuals.  

Another possibility is a public shunning for a week.  They will go to class, but they will be ignored by all in the school.  Their names will not even be called out for attendance.  It is basically a week long boycott of them for their behavior.

 Now I know that some people may think these methods extreme, but if they get away with the crime, then they will continue.  These bullies should never be sent home to their televisions, video games or even friends who cut class.  In fact they should be kept later until school officially closes and all the teachers go home.  They need to resent their behavior and themselves for what they did.  Even having the cops come and arrest them in a scared straight routine could help.  

As for the people being bullied.  You got to fight.  You start with words, saying "leave me alone", "go away", "chill", then escalate it if the bully continues (obviously telling parents and school officials if it continues).  If all else fails, Observe their behavior, and those around them.  See if their friends are real or fake.  See if the bully is insecure about themselves and what can make the bully and their friends turn on one another.  If that does not work, fight.  They put their hands on you, then you clench that fist and hit them right in the nose as many times as it takes.  You hit them hard, you hit them fast and you do it so often that they cannot fight back.  Scare them into not touching you.

Conclusion:  We are not nipping this issue in the bud in my opinion.  I have seen/read of successes in schools that take the embarrassment approach to school bullies and it works (though it is not as extreme as I describe).  Some of the bullies have been turned into heroes by being charged by the school to protect the kids they once bullied from other bullies (suitably monitored of course).  However, these models based on what I have read are rare.  Many schools administrations, including my former elementary through high schools are a joke.  They cannot stop a single bully let alone the gangs that are sneaking into the schools to recruit kids.  The students themselves are left to bear the brunt of the bullies knowing that if they fight back, then they will get in trouble.  But I will tell those kids who are suffering in silence that that one hit to their face, groin, or anywhere is so satisfying that it is worth it.  Fight back!  End the threat of bullying.