The Beginning

Over the past couple of years our attention has been brought to the severity and frequent occurrences of bullying. It is on the rise, beginning at younger and younger ages and becoming more cruel and violent. It leads to the tragic, untimely death of some and lifetime scarring for others.

Every time the subject comes up, I wonder why and how it has gotten so bad. All through my adolescent, pre-teen, and teen years I never remember bullying being a problem like it is now. I think there are a few reasons why the frequency and severity of bullying have increased; media and parenting, but that is an entirely different subject. I have never paid bullying much mind until now, until it has hit home. And now that it has hit home, I'm taking a stand and using my voice and I hope that it reaches far and makes a difference somehow.

At dinner on Sunday, my sister-in-law, Marna, proceeded to tell us about how my sweet 8-year-old nephew, Beckham, is being bullied at school. The first time he received physical evidence of the bullying, Marna noticed and asked about it. Beckham told her that "Joe" had punched him in the eye and kicked his friend in the eye. She immediately took action and let the teacher know. When Beckham found out about this, he told his mom that she had misunderstood and that he didn't get hit by "Joe". Marna relayed this to the teacher. Beckham didn't want "Joe" to know he had told, because he was scared of retaliation. This was in first grade. 

Since that day, Beckham has continued to be bullied. He has been punched more then just that first time. Wood chips and paper have been stuffed into his ear, causing him to be on an antibiotic ear drop for infection. Beckham has been affected by this so much that he has pulled out all of his eyelashes, eyebrows, and some of his hair. Whether he is so anxious at school that he reverts to this or that it soothes him in some way, it is something he has turned to as a result of bullying. If this is the outward affect bullying is having on him, just imagine what is going on inside!

                                                                                                     

7 months later

You may be asking yourself some questions: "How has this been going on for over a year?" "Is it due to some of the administration at the school?" "Is it due to lack of communication between parents and teachers, between parents and administration, between students and parents, between teachers and administration?" "Is it due to what goes on in the home?" This is something we may never know, but everyone needs to work together to help find the answers and put an end to bullying. 

We are responsible for the protection of our children. And not just our children, but for every child, especially when their own parents aren't there to protect them. Teachers, administrators, parents, and students should be taking an active, assertive role to stop any sort of bullying. They should be acutely attentive to what is going on with their students, children, and peers. In our opinion, if everyone would have been doing their part, it would not have gone on for over a year. It should not require parents stepping in and blog posts being written. But since this is the case, let's spread the word and get more people involved and aware of how severe and damaging bullying is.

As the situation unfolds, we will continue to post about it. We will keep you informed on Beckham's progress of overcoming the damage bullying has done to him. We will be the voice of awareness and an advocate for those that are in need of protection and rescuing from those who feel the need to bully others.

Please do your part to stop bullying. Be that protector. Be that whistle blower. Be that example and teacher of how to treat others. Teach your children to stand up for others and to stand up to bullies. Be brave.