My Utah Bully

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Dear Bully Police Members,

There is disagreement among us (not unexpected) regarding the billboard that “Bullying Begins at Home.” This sign refers to the students who bully; not the targets for bullying.

Some of you believe that it is true that bullying begins at home, and have given articles that support this position. Some of you absolutely disagree that bullying begins at home, stating that this is just another way that schools foster the idea that they are not really accountable for bullying in school–a bill board of this kind fuels schools’ belief that they do all they can to help with what is just another problem brought to them.

It is critical that we reach some agreement to take a position on what we believe about the causes of bullying in schools. While it is true that parental modeling influences children’s behavior, it is also true that news media, television and video entertainment, commercials, etc, are all powerful influences on developing minds, and the power of the media may be sufficient to offset parental values of the highest order. The current media trend is mockery and bullying as a prized form of entertainment. I have done groups with students in private and public schools where children say that their parents have absolutely no idea about what they do in schools. It is also true that students who bully can be remarkably well behaved in contexts other that school.

Because a split of this kind can diminish the effectiveness of our advocacy, I would suggest that we discuss this issue on this blog to explore the possibility of a united position, if possible. Please let me know your thoughts.

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