School bullying and threats - what would you do?

[tRidiot]

Once teachers and parents were no longer able to discipline their kids. You know what I mean.

Some say you can train a dog with only positive reinforcement. Is this even true? Does the same work with kids?

Eh.... not with my kid. I haven't had to paddle his bottom in a number of years, but certainly taking away some privileges along with frank and firm lectures seems to be the ticket for us. And believe me, a "talking to" isn't what I'm talking about. Although, I did have to give him some swats when he was younger, I don't think I've had to do that to get his attention in quite a while. I will give him a flick on the ear or the back of the neck sometimes if he's being too much of a pest in public, which seems to work pretty well.

I realize some people are going to automatically label me an "abuser" for this. Well... **** you.

 

[Eagle Eye]

Amen to that

 

[Sanford]

Where is this coming from?

That, IMHO, is the question that needs answered. This isn't one of those "always been that way" things, though I'll submit that there's always been bullying and kids who have been bullied. Has the bullying gotten more prevalent? Worse as a matter of degree? Both? I believe it's related to something else entirely, which is respect for others. Somewhere along the line society's norm seems to have changed from providing everyone a certain level of respect as a matter of courtesy to an attitude that respect has to be "earned" by whatever criteria we might wish to set individually. We don't seem to put any value on basic humanity any more and this leads to both increased bullying (or call it "disrespect" if you will) as well as decreased self-worth for those who are its targets. Just my opinion based on personal experience and observation of course; I'm sure there's some sort of psychological mumbo-jumbo that says it's all wrong.

 

[tomthebaker]

Bullying and ostracizing are huge problems. If the school won't do its job, then it is up to the parent to take action.

 

[Eagle Eye]

That, IMHO, is the question that needs answered. This isn't one of those "always been that way" things, though I'll submit that there's always been bullying and kids who have been bullied. Has the bullying gotten more prevalent? Worse as a matter of degree? Both? I believe it's related to something else entirely, which is respect for others. Somewhere along the line society's norm seems to have changed from providing everyone a certain level of respect as a matter of courtesy to an attitude that respect has to be "earned" by whatever criteria we might wish to set individually. We don't seem to put any value on basic humanity any more and this leads to both increased bullying (or call it "disrespect" if you will) as well as decreased self-worth for those who are its targets. Just my opinion based on personal experience and observation of course; I'm sure there's some sort of psychological mumbo-jumbo that says it's all wrong.

I think the media and entertainment business (music in particular) are partially to blame. Kids get so wrapped up with "personalities" they hear in songs, see on TV, online, or in the movies. Hard characters that got to where they are by dominating others without fear of consequence or repercussion. I think many kids try to emulate those behaviors trying to build a reputation or image that is considered cool or socially acceptable. Kids often do not understand that all that junk is fake and is just way of making money.
I'm sure this though is just one of many reasons we can identify.

 

[YukonGlocker]

Lay theories are fun too.

 

[Eagle Eye]

Lay theories are fun too.

everyones gotta have a hobby

 

[Okiedog]

Where is this coming from?

It comes from villages raising kids instead of parents.

 

[dennishoddy]

IKids get so wrapped up with "personalities" they hear in songs, see on TV, online, or in the movies. Hard characters that got to where they are by dominating others without fear of consequence or repercussion. I think many kids try to emulate those behaviors trying to build a reputation or image that is considered cool or socially acceptable.

Adults are no different. They get ate up with some movie star or singer and match their wardrobe, tats, hair do, and try to live their life style.
Never understood it personally, but a large segment of adults are into the star worship thing.

 

[Pokinfun]

Cult of personality
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult_of_personality