This is a huge topic Irene, and as the mother of teenage boys, one very dear to my heart. I could type forever here but in a nutshell, I believe that making our young people feel wanted, loved and valued goes a very long way. (We truly enjoy spending time with our lads and always have, even if it's just over a movie.) You are so right, damage inflicted at a young age can often be carried through life and I'm sure that many sensitive souls here will resonate with that. I will carry the English boy you speak of in my thoughts and dearly hope that he finds the strength to cope somehow. I was a teacher for many years and witnessed so much of this kind of terrible behaviour. Spreading the message that this beautiful enchanted world is also full of wonderful folk is more important than ever and I thank all of you Artists in all sense of the word for all you do to help us See this...
With Hope Always,

I remember in the fifth grade when a new kid from Scotland showed up. His name was "Ian," and that odd name plus the strange accent sent everyone into pickin on him. If he wasn't such a macho kid I'm sure it would've hurt him, but he impressed all the guys at school when he shot a hummingbird off a twig with his BB gun. Funny how this affects that, eh?

But yes, kids, while they have so many positive characteristics we adults tend to lack, also have one we do have in plenty: insecurity. And a sure sign of it is in picking on others (aka "bullying") to make ourselves feel better.

So... Are we ready to go into Iran now, and set a good example for our kids?

Yes, insecurity is the bottom line in this I guess.
We had a meeting at school a little while ago. And we were told our kids school were the worst in our district in that matter.

Scary. I can see several going thru hard times there. My daughter inc. And this is "only" a child school.The oldest kids at that school is only 13 years old.

So the direction on this scares me. And as we read in papers, they get younger and younger in age.

I feel its an issue we adults should be more awaken about.Cause its global,not only some contries.

Agree with you Bee. We must focus on giving them the feeling of being loved and wanted.And build their foundation for security. If all kids had that foundation, this wouldnt be so big issue as it has grown to be.

But is not quite that easy. Cause as you build that foundation at home, its easily thorned down during the school day.

This boys father is trying to backing his foundation up with telling him not to be a chicken. Knock them down he says. Well,violents is not a solution on violents.

I try to tell my kid to use words to defend her with, not muscles. You can nail any bully with words if you learn how to.But of course, only on the young bullyes.

This is an artistic place, were we share our fantasy world. And I truly believe that some of those who enter their own fantasyworld at young age, is thru a need for a better world. An escape from reality. Im not saying its so for everyone of course. But to some,I believe.:)

Thanks for joining this disgussion, and sharing:)

Oh what a touchy topic for many who have children are still kids themselves and have No concept of how to handle things a lot of times.
Bullies in Our schools and the Law prevents the principal or teacher from doing much til they actually hurt someone physically even when they are Verbally abusive to another student, I had to deal with this first hand my eldest was getting punched at school and no teacher caught this bad behavior and other student's help by blocking the yard duty teachers view, He couldn't let himself be continually beat up I do not condone his actions but I do understand them , He finally and without my knowledge punched the bully in the nose and told him to leave him alone. I found out about it later.
We did all we could talking to teachers counselors and Principal and vice principal but nothing was done to help my son. He took the only way without hurting the other person too much. My son has tae kwon do training and could have beat this boy very badly but he just wanted to get him to leave him alone! Aa a Parent it's so hard to keep the fine line and help your kid.
My son and I talk he knows he should have handled this differently,but I'm very lucky my kids talk to me and ask how can I get this person to stop this action not everyone is this lucky!
Kids who have some sort of high being belief system seem to handle things better not all just a lot and we as Parents make a big difference! I know that this is not always the rule their are exceptions to every Rule