Bullying in schools

In Georgia schools everyday students are harassed and bullied. There was a recent article on 11 Alive News in Georgia discussing different types of bullying violating the laws in place in GA. It is very prevalent and has become very dangerous but how do counselors and teachers decide when it is time to take action?

That is the plaguing question which, so often, results in late action. Teachers and other administrators are too busy trying to decipher the difference between harassment bullying versus innocent banter. Anytime the topics of banter include race or sexual-orientation it’s obvious the innocent banter has gotten out of control. Many schools have failed to stop this ‘innocent banter’ on sensitive topics like these and it resulted in deaths of children at young ages!!

Do you remember Jaheem Herrera? He was a 10 year old DeKalb County student who took his life as a result of bullying. His mother informed the school of the issue but it was too late. The damage had been done. Unfortunately this has become common and the ages of children taking their lives as a result of school bullying are getting lower. Something has to be done.

As educators, especially school counselors, any complaint of bullying received from students must be considered immediately and examined. Waiving off bullying as innocent banter when a child is complaining can place the school in a bad position and even worse, result in the loss of another child. It is impossible to catch everything but there are ethical obligations as counselors and educators to listen and take seriously the complaints of students. Sometimes students won't seek help but often educators and counselors can spot bullying. It is important that it is addressed even if the child does not seek help.

It's easy to brush it off and say ‘that's just kids being kids’. It happens all the time. Unfortunately, as a result of this brush off children are suffering. Some students never get over one harsh comment made to them about their appearance, race or sexual orientation among other things. It's not easy and sometimes impossible to get every bullying situation under control but it is important that we do our best.

Check out this video for more information.