Friday, October 29, 2004

New Solution To An Old Problem

Old Problem
The problem of bullying continues to increase in our schools. It seems like each and every day we hear some new account of a child being intimidated, sometimes to the point of suicide. Another extreme reaction to bullying is what occurred at Columbine High School.

It appears now that
some parents might have found a solution to this age-old problem. In a turnabout, the hunters have become the hunted. What parents of victimized children are doing is taking the bullies to court, suing for damages, and getting restraining orders against the abusers.

We here at the Education Wonks already think that there is too much litigation in our society, but our school systems can't (or won't) protect children from these junior mafiosos.

One thing about a law-suit, it sure gets the attention of the person that is being sued. For our schools to function properly, they must be safe havens for our kids. If a law suit is what it takes to keep your child safe from bullies, then so be it.

Having said that, the EdWonk doesn't think that those "Little Rascals" episodes involving Alfalfa vs. Butch would have been nearly so funny if Alfalfa had got a court order instead of knocking Butch out with that right-cross in the boxing ring.