However, school days were not always easy. Our schools’ caring and dedicated Principals and staff members worked hard to ensure a safe environment for students, yet there were still encounters with bullies at times. A bully created fear, sadness, depression and alienation. A friend told me that she felt “Powerless”. Instead of playing outdoors after school, some students cried. Sometimes the bully never apologized or the situation had gotten worse.
The topic of bullying impacts all of us whether or not we are married, single, have children or not. We all know someone who has a child, or we might be a sister, cousin, neighbor, aunt or uncle. It’s the topic that caring people talk about but it’s time for everyone to get more involved. More youth and peer involvement at schools is essential. Adults should be more cognizant of their own behaviors at home, in public and in the cyber-world as students may mimic adult behavior.
I encourage you to contact the Center for Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County at 203 334-6154, which is the Community Education and Prevention Department. They have staff, resources and materials available which provides education and prevention of bullying. The Center can present information to schools or you can stop by the Center for information.
Joanna M. Leone