Rid schools of bullies; institute zero tolerance

Rid schools of bullies; institute zero tolerance

Did you know studies show that 77 percent of students are being bullied — mentally, verbally or physically — every day throughout the United States?

We have seen data that indicates bullies usually come from homes with very little supervision or affection. Junior high school bullies, whether they are boys or girls, are most likely to pick on people of the same age. Bullies are usually more popular with their peers because they are more aggressive. The boys are more likely to use physical attack, whereas the girls are more likely to be more verbally abusive.

Whether youngsters are verbally or physically attacked, it still has the same effect. Some of these bullied children often experience low self-esteem, depression, lots of pain and distress. In some cases, bullying can lead to the unthinkable — suicide. Most of the children who are bullied will go home and continue to live with this in silence, never telling a soul because they are afraid if they say anything, they will get hurt.

The problem we have is that when repeated offenders continue to bully other children over and over again in school, all they get is suspension, and then they are back in school.

When is it time to say enough is enough? We asked someone this question recently, and the person’s response was, "Where are we going to put them — out on the street?" To be truthful, we do not care where they go as long as they are not in our schools harming our children. There should be no tolerance for this behavior, and by continuing to allow these bullies back in school, the schools are only enabling them to continue their behavior.

This is one of the most silent and unspoken issues between parent and child. We have to put a stop to these bullies who spend their time ridiculing, tormenting and psychologically disturbing other children.

Our plea to parents is to take the time out and talk to your children about bullying. See if your child has been bullied and then take the proper course of action by filing your complaint with the school because if we continue to let these complaints slide, there will be no issue, no records and no need for the district to take a stronger course of action.

Remember that when something very tragic happens, there is no one else to blame but ourselves. It only takes one individual to make a difference. Let it be you.

Valerie and Thomas Senatore

Sayreville