Author: Nightwind (---.dialinx.net)
Date: 08-14-2001 02:57
Kids do need to know there are alternatives, and they need to know they are not worthless(which is often how they feel when bullied and the bullying is treated lightly by adults).
Assault and battery.
If a 30 year old beats up another 30yo it is a clear case of assault and battery. In a civilized society we have laws with accompanying punishments to protect the civil and make us all feel reasonably safe.
So, the cops would be called and one 30yo goes to jail for assault and battery.
A 12yo beats up another twelve year old. No cops are called. There are no assault and battery charges. In fact, the idea of calling the cops doesn't even occur to the victim. Why is that?
Children are members of our civilisation too, and they should be governed and protected by the same laws. Not the same punishments mind you- I'm not advocating adult punishments for children- just the same laws.
No, this would not end bullying, though I am confident it would reduce it. That's not important. What is important is that feelings of being trapped due to lack of perceived options or feelings of worthlessness due to (perceived)lack of adult interest or concern would be reduced, thus reducing teen suicides and school shootings.
The infrastructure is there, the laws are there. The only thing missing is an attitude on the part of parents and other authorities everywhere that this would be a good solution. Much like the poor victimized kids, I doubt the idea has ever even occured to 99% of adults.
Nightwind
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