The U.S Department of Education
and Department of Justice, defines bullying as: "Imbalance of power: People who
bully, use their power to control or harm and the people being bullied may have
a hard time defending themselves. Intent to cause harm: Actions done by accident
are not bullying; the person bullying has a goal to cause harm, and; Repetition:
incidents of bullying happen to the same person or group."
The days of simple name calling, harmless teasing
and ridicule are gone! Bullying within the United States has reached new
dimensions; crossed racial, economic and private/public/parochial school lines.
With the emerging era of cyber space, social networking sites, computers
etc…bullying has reached new dimensions. These new heights bring a variety of
new concerns that need to be diligently addressed by school officials, parents,
school therapists, priests, etc... Our job as parents, teachers, and followers
of Christ is to handle this matter with the highest level of concern; and not to
dismiss it, as simply a therapeutic/psychological problem. While therapy may
assist those who have been taunted (in some cases); it is not a simple solution
to a complicated and rising problem. The solution lay in finding the cause of
those who perpetuate the bullying; and finding the necessary resources to help
cease the problem. Bullying is no longer an inner city problem, it is a
nationwide concern; and therefore, we are all stakeholders in finding a suitable
solution.
We as parents must be aware of signs of our children
being bullied. Apparent signs include talks of suicide, changes in eating
habits, loss of friends, feelings of hopelessness, moody, trouble sleeping,
withdrawn attitude, and unexplained injuries. If you suspect that your child may
be bullying others, signs may include, quickness to blame others, violence,
extra money or gifts; and fights/detention at school. Remember, these signs are
just examples, and there are many signs to look for across the spectrum. If you
feel your child is being targeted or punished for defending him or herself; this
is against the law. Within schools, both public and private; there are
regulations regarding the proper protocol in handling these situations. Simply
ignoring the problems on the part of school officials is a violation of civil
right in the U.S.A. Excessive unaddressed bullying can lead to depression, drug
abuse, domestic abuse, or worse!
As I stated earlier, bullying is now becoming a
major common problem within the Philadelphia Archdiocese. As representatives of
Christ, school officials should be adequately addressing the issues, and not
taking the minimum approach, or simply ignoring them, in hopes that they will
self resolve. There have been several documented incidences within the
Archdiocese over the course of 2010-2011. Parents stand firm, and advocate for
your children. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia does have particular policies
regarding physical, emotional, and Internet/Cyberspace bullying. Make sure these
policies are being enforced at your childs' school. If your family feels that
your childs' needs are not being adequately addressed, within the Archdiocese of
Philadelphia, or school district of Philadelphia, please call 215-400-SAFE, to
report bullying, violence, harassment, and threats. Many states have similar
hotlines, and they can be found through simple internet search, or medical
insurance referral. Most importantly, as we strive to instill into our children,
a love and respect for the Lord, and his teachings; I leave you with this:
"Behold, all who are licensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded;
those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall
seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war
against you shall be nothing at all. For I, the lord your God, hold your right
hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you." -Isaiah
41:11-13.
