DeKalb Schools Give Bullies More Reasons To Beat Up Their Kids
Decatur Metro | April 2, 2008 | 10:21 amIn an effort to combat bullying, DeKalb County Schools, showing no ability in understanding the mindset of bullies, have implemented a guffaw-inducing anti-bullying campaign throughout the county.
Some of the more LMAO items include…
- Establishing a “No Place to Hate” committee (I’m sure if you asked a child what would help prevent bullying in schools the first thing they would say would be “let’s start a committee!”)
- Sign a resolution to reject bullying (what is this? an international trade agreement?!)
- Complete at least three schoolwide anti-bias projects that promote respect and diversity
- Giving schools large banners that exclaim they are “No Place to Hate”
But the absolute best example given by the AJC were the poor students at Murphey Candler Elementary, who had to give their school a hug by literally joining hands and circling the building.
I’m sure there are many that might argue that, at a minimum, this campaign brings the issue of bullying into the spotlight. But as someone that has extensive, first-hand experience in having been bullied in public schools, I would strongly assert that these sorts of initiatives won’t change a thing, except maybe to give parents the false impression that they have some control over their child’s torment.
As a certified dork speaking unofficially for other, younger dorks, I would say thanks but no thanks DeKalb County. Declaring “Hate-free zones” with large banners is like declaring “drug-free zones” with municipal signs. They both just sound like unachievable ad campaigns that serve as nothing more than public band-aids.
At least a band aid would stop the bleeding. Jeez, I expect there will be more bleeding for the poor kids who join those committees.
I agree these efforts are ripe targets for mockery but what would you suggest to the administration of DCSS? Similarly silly-sounding “Brain-washing” efforts in the school systems on the subject of diversity, bigotry, and even “green friendly” themes have changed children’s impressions of what is acceptable. Perhaps you under-estimate how suceptible our children are to jingoism and peer “pressure” … I admit it, I snickered when I read about the student encircling “hug” of their school but, hey, my elementary school had razor-topped, barbed wire around it … I would have traded for the silly, group hug
As long as these campaigns are backed up with greater vigilance by adults, then I guess I don’t have too much of a problem with it. But if this is being used in place of more preventative measures (namely more vigilant adults and staff), I am quite concerned.
Like Rusty eluded to, when I see dorky practices like banners and resolutions, all I can think about is how they just provide additional fodder to the bully. Perhaps I’m just a jaded victim of bullying at this point, but I’d rather have a teacher in the courtyard than a goofy sign over the door egging the bully on.
I agree with you. The whole group hug thing is just going to make matters worse. Kids need to be taught about bullying and how to protect themselves. Parents also should also play a larger role in bullying prevention.
All volunteers present themselves to the local principal’s office? Don’t think the the bureacracy would allow volunteers to actually provide extra vigilance but that’d do the trick!
No doubt punishment for bullying in school should be severe. They have to be caught, though, and witnesses have to be willing to come forward. Perhaps that’s where the “group hug” actually might help if you think about it.
One of the biggest reasons why bullies “get away” with their despotism is because the other kids feel isolated. If they learn they have “allies” among their peers and the support of the teachers, etc., perhaps is minimizes the opportunities for thugs to do thuggery and get away with it.
I still have to say that having a silly program raises awareness – like a bad commercial, it still gets a message to the children.
Should that be all? No. But it can only help. I’m the eternal optimist. You’ll have to forgive me!