Schools are supposed to protect children. And some schools do help targets of bullying. I’ve read quite a few stories with this happy ending and to those schools, I extend my love and respect.
However, I’ve also read and heard stories in which the school either failed or refused to help the victim and only sided with the bullies and I also found this out years ago from experience. And sadly, this ending is much more common than the first.
Therefore, if you are an object of bullying at your school, do take the proper channels to address the problem and get it solved. Report the bullying to the teacher, principal, or district.
But if the school does nothing about it, sweeps it under the rug, or worse, blames you, don’t be surprised. And don’t be surprised if you face retaliation not only from the bullies but from school staff and officials as well.
Understand that in these cases where the school doesn’t act on your behalf, it is because the school district is only interested in the sports programs, how many points an athlete can score for their school team, getting their football team into the playoffs, and how many kids they can send to colleges.
Another thing to consider is that school bullies likely have connections with several local politicians and other high-ranking officials. Also, many bullies who excel academically or are star athletes make the school look good and are least likely to be held accountable.
And seasoned bullies tend to be exceptionally socially intelligent and know how to ingratiate themselves into the good graces of teachers and school staff. They are also wordsmiths who are experts at feigning victimhood, explaining everything away, and rationalizing their bad behavior, which often makes the target look like the bully.
So, these are a few things to consider should you find yourself a target, report the bullying and the school fail to respond to your pleas for help.
But don’t give up. Remember. You are worth fighting for! You are worth living for!
Well written.
Thank you so much 🙂
This is unfortunately the truth of a bullying situation for many students.
Absolutely, Bernadette. And I’m so glad that people are realizing it now.
I experienced all of this during those three terrible years. The schools’ answer to any bullying was that I invited the trouble I was receiving.
Yep! Victim-blaming at its best.
Schools for decades never did squat about bullying. Some schools even seem to see it as a rite of passage (ridiculous) I mean there were even cases where a bully picks on you, physically attacks you, you fight back and get suspended or kicks for defending yourself. I know this is controversial but this is why I support private schools and home schools for some. The public school system has failed.
You nailed it! I support the same thing! School Choice is the only way targets can move on to a better environment. Without it, they’re trapped.
Pretty much.
The Catholic school back where I grew up had a bomb threat (this was probably at least 20 years ago), and the school principal went on the local news saying that this would be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. It ended up being their star quarterback, and he got a proverbial slap on the wrist.
Wow! That’s terrible! But unfortunately, it isn’t what you do, it’s who you are when you do it. SMH
I am not sure my schools knew anything about the bullying I was enduring each and every day. I was afraid to say anything. So, I would beat everyone out of the school and literally run to get home. Sometimes, I would take a different route each day and just kept my head down.
I truly feel for those who are being bullied, in person, or online!
I do too, Dwain. I’m so sorry for what you had to endure. 😢