Cyber Bullying & Bullying in Schools

Statistics show that 40% of our children are cyber bullied. As we know children can be so cruel to one another. It usually is more the preteens we have to watch out for. But, I really believe that it actually starts a bit younger and goes on into high school age children.

I think that we should be holding parents at least partially accountable for a lot of it. I am not saying that all parents of bullies are responsible but let's face it..How many parents are guilty of making fun of other people.

How about the overweight lady coming out of the store with a load of groceries and mom or dad say things like "Hey looks like that lady doesn't need any more food she is so fat" or things like that. Our kids hear what we say. And as we know they pick up everything we say that they are not suppose to. But the things we do say that they should hear they don't at all!

Kids now days don't have any respect for parents, their peers and a lot of times not even for themselves. It is our society, we as parents have no rights. The government has taken our parental rights away. Our children can say and do hateful mean things to other people and they are not held accountable.

I have seen children as young as 3, 4 and older stand up and scream and cuss at their parents, throw and break things just because they know they can. A lot of parents are afraid to pick them up and bust their butts. I believe that is why kids have thighs and butts, they are there to get a pop on every now and then, to get their attention.

I have raised 4 kids although not perfect they are pretty good kids. All through their years at school I felt very prideful when a teacher would say to me, "Your son/daughter is very polite and respectful. I wish more of the kids in my class were like your child. Well, that was not just luck that they are like that, I have raised them to be.

I don't know that it is because I had a brother with cerebral palsy or not but I have always taught my kids not to make fun of other people. I am sure they have a time or two they were not perfect but I guarantee you, it was few and far between if it did happen.

Anyway, we as parents need to hold our children responsible for their actions. If they are caught bullying or making fun of someone, do something about it. Keep the computer in a room that you can walk up behind them every so often. So that they know you can see what they are doing. If they quickly shut off the monitor have them turn it back on. Ask them who they are talking too and what about. If you get reports of them texting another child and saying mean things or bullying them then check their phones, take away the phone or at least block texting on the phone. All you have to do is call your cell phone company and have it blocked.

I truly believe it all starts at home. If you get a report about your child bullying, check it out, don't be one of these parents that always say: "My child would not do that". Wake up and smell the roses, they are kids and they are not perfect and you sticking your head in the sand is not helping your child one bit.

Also checking out what your children are watching on tv is another thing. A while back my grand kids were watching I-Carly. There were in a high school setting and (don't know their names) but one kid had a basketball that belonged to another kid. So the kid came and claimed his basketball and bounced it off the kids head and told him that is what he gets for having his basketball. The woman told this kids that she was his mother so the kid bounced the ball off the mothers forehead and informed her that, that was for having him. I was shocked that,this is what is on a kids show, that is what our kids are being taught!!!! No, wonder our kids have no respect for their elders. Well needless to say I-Carly has not been on my tv since.

If you suspect your child is being bullied them talk with them. If you suspect your child is capable of harming him or herself talk with your health care professional and see if you can find counseling for your child. If you can't afford counseling the school should have counselors at the school or be able to help you find a counselor that works on the sliding scale fee. Your local health department may be able to assist you also.

So Parents please do your part and check out what your children are doing and maybe we can bring the statistics way down.