Stricter Rules: The Key to Combating School Bullying

Dealing with bullying in schools has been a contentious issue for years. The question of whether schools should implement stricter rules to address bullying is one that has sparked debate. From emotional bullying to physical aggression, the consequences of bullying can be severe, with some cases even leading to tragic outcomes. In this article, we will explore why stricter rules are necessary, provide examples of such rules, and examine the broader impacts of bullying.

Why Stricter Rules Are Needed

Some may argue that current measures are sufficient, but the reality is that bullies often operate with a degree of impunity. With no clear legal definition of bullying, such incidents fall under other crimes like battery, assault, and theft. Moreover, bullies often operate out of sight, rendering school policies and threats ineffective. Schools must adopt stricter measures to ensure that bullies face serious consequences for their actions.

Proposed Rules for Bullying

Here are the proposed rules for dealing with bullies in a zero tolerance manner:

Bullying and Weapons

Any bully who brings a weapon to school should be immediately dealt with by the police and their parents. Such students should be expelled immediately, and the court should handle the legal aspects of any weapons involved.

Bullying Strikes System

Bullying should be tracked through a “strikes system”. A student who receives three strikes will be expelled from school. The strikes could be:

Strike 1: A week of suspension Strike 2: A month of suspension Strike 3: Immediate expulsion

These rules should apply to all students, even if they are academically gifted or athletically talented. No exceptions should be made to ensure every student is treated fairly.

Sexual Harassment and Rape

Bullying that rises to the level of sexual harassment or rape should be handled with the utmost seriousness by involving the police.

The Reality of Bullying and School Policies

Schools often find it hard to effectively address bullying due to lazy administration and plausible deniability created by bullies. As a parent with personal experience, I have faced situations where my son was bullied and felt unable to act in his own defense.

My Personal Experience

I have dealt with two instances of bullying at my son’s high school:

One involved a bully and his single mother who consistently harassed my son. The other involved a dean of boys who did not adequately address the persistent bullying.

In both cases, dealing with the school and the bullies proved challenging. In the first case, I had to confront the school and the bully directly, which was unsuccessful. In the second case, my son had to take matters into his own hands after I provided guidance and support.

Self-Protection and Documentation

When my son finally decided to defend himself, I advised him to document the incidents and hold off for a few weeks before acting. This strategy proved effective as the school administration faced pressure to resolve the issue.

Conclusion

Stricter rules are crucial in addressing bullying in schools. While school policies can do much, they often lack the necessary teeth to hold bullies accountable. Implementing a zero tolerance approach, similar to what is proposed, could significantly reduce the incidence and impact of bullying. By holding bullies accountable and supporting victims, schools can create a safer and more inclusive environment for all students.