Bullying not exclusively Asexual, LGBT issue

Details: Category: Cake Recipes; Published on Thursday, 14 April 2011 09:14; Written by Lara Landis; Hits: 638

Administrator's Note: This is part of the Asexual News anti-bullying stories. The other storeis in the series are:

The Asexual News bullying series started in April. However, the people who made the decision feel one thing must be absolutely clear. Although LGBT groups have excluded Asexuals and other groups included on the periphery of the queer umbrella.

And although Asexual bullying is a serious issue as any other type of bullying, it is wrong to say that bullying is a completely Asexual issue. People willl pick on anyone who does not fit the definition of what the majority expects. The problem is most pronounced among children, but human history shows it can occur among adults as well.

Bullying is a pronounced problem across the country and world wide. Zero tolerance policies have led to situations that make the problem worse. Often school districts punish the victim of bullying who finally snaps after having enough and leaves the perpetrator untouched. Programs such as Olweus, while well-meaning, make the problem go further underground.

It is hard to determine what works when it comes to anti-bullying policies. Ideally, schools need to do more to intervene when the harassment starts and makes some normal, although rude behavior, inappropriate.

The schools cannot be blamed too much for implementing Olweus, whether it works or not. Public pressure has forced them to do something. However, the current discipline policies force the schools to take no action against the students who start the entire process. When the victim does stand up, if ever, he or she should not be the only one to receive punishment.

The discipline system used in the public schools has broken down for many years. If the school districts want to make a change, they need to start shaming the bullies. Since people get bullied because they often fail to pick up on social cues, courses that teach basic skills should be offered. The students who need this, should not be singled out, however. All students should receive the same classroom instruction.