Bullying: Cut it out!

I saw this article on Fox News' website about a girl in Boston that was hospitalized after being bullied. This is reminiscent of another story in the news in recent months of a youngster that had taken their own life after being bullied at school. What is it going to take for kids to quit picking on each other so much? I think that schools should step up their programs in that kids, as well as teachers and other staff members, can notice the signs of bullying and peer pressure, and take appropriate measures to prevent another case like these two happening to someone else. I think that if someone can talk to the person doing the bullying to see what's really going on behind the scenes, and to ask why they're bullying others, that can really be a help to a kid. Sometimes, there might be problems at home or in other situations where a kid might feel neglected, left out, or just not fitting in among friends. Sometimes, it might be to gain acceptance from others. For a kid who's being bullied, every day at school or out and around can bring a sense of dread to everyday life. They might wonder if someone is going to follow them to or from school, pick on them while riding the bus or walking down the street, or while with friends. A caring person can mean the world to a kid who's being bullied or is bullying someone. They can be their sounding board and a listening ear. Whether it be a parent or relative, a good friend, a Club or Scout leader, or someone the kid trust. If you know of someone that's being bullied or is bullying someone, take them aside, and tell them that you care, and that you're there for them.