Bullying in our schools
I have read and heard much lately in the media, about teachers who are bullied by students. I believe the statistic I heard quoted on TV3 Campbell Live was some 4% of teachers have suffered what they believe to be a serious assault.
Through my schooling during the 60's and 1970's, there was always small groups of students within schools I attended, who would give teachers serious lip and yes, even commit an assault. I wonder just a little, if the problem is really any different today to how it was then. Whether there has been true statistical increase, or simply an affect of better reporting and lack of statistical comparison.
I also remember of my school days, a good number of bullying teachers in our schools and I wonder what the percentage comparison would be if the question is asked in reverse. Who is bullying who?
Unfortunately I do not think it an exaggeration to say New Zealand has a bullying culture, reflected in our schools, families, the work place, business, in every facet of society right through to government. One only has to watch the antics of our politicians at times. Bullying no different than that which goes on in any school yard.
My simple answer, you may agree or not, is Kiwi's must become an intolerant society. Intolerant of all forms of bullying and it's ugly faces, such as hate crimes to highlight an example. New Zealanders need to become intolerant of a lot of things. A little evolution and revolution is needed. And society needs to make sure it also does not become the bully. We are also a punishment oriented nation, punishment in most forms teaches nothing more than resentment and does not remove the social conditions that cause the problems in the first place. Our society often seeks to control by bullying. We do not deal at the root cause, we run around sticking band aids on things when the injury has already occurred.
I wonder if I might enlist some help, I am gathering statistics on school bullying. There is a little poll on our Liston Parents and Students Forum. If your young one has suffered some indignity and you have a moment to click a few box's, I would appreciate your effort. Or indeed, if your young person would like to fill it out themselves they are welcome.
http://liston.editboard.com/Share-your-views-f2/Bullying-t9.htm
Thanks,
Robert
Ropati 3:12 a.m., 02 Sep