Children as young as 8 years old are taking their own lives as a result of relentless bullying. Despite the heartbreaking pleas for help from both children and their parents, schools often refuse to acknowledge the crisis happening right under their noses. (85% of bullying happens in front of other people, so your childs school knows what's going on.)
How can these educational institutions turn a blind eye to such a dire situation? And when will those entrusted with our children's safety be held accountable for their negligence?
The link between bullying and suicide among children (and adults) is undeniable. Research consistently shows that victims of bullying are at a significantly higher risk of contemplating, attempting, or tragically completing suicide. The psychological torment inflicted by bullies leads to feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and isolation, leaving young minds vulnerable and fragile. Yet, despite the mounting evidence, schools continue to refuse to acknowledge the severity of the issue or take appropriate action.
It's a disgusting reality that many schools continue to downplay or dismiss reports of bullying, viewing it as a mere rite of passage or an unavoidable part of growing up. Such attitudes not only trivialize the suffering of victims but also perpetuate a culture of silence and inaction.
When children and their families muster the courage to speak out, their cries for help are met with indifference or met with ineffective responses, leaving them feeling abandoned and powerless. While it is easy for some people to say "well then, just homeschool your child," many people are not in a position to do so, and they shouldn't have to pull their child out of school due to the inaction of a broken system. Remove the bullies from the school, and let their parents figure out the homeschool situation!
The consequences of this negligence are devastating. Lives are lost, families shattered, and communities left reeling in anguish. The scars left by bullying and its tragic aftermath endure long after the headlines fade away. It's time for schools to wake up to the harsh reality that bullying is not a harmless childhood behavior but a serious threat to the well-being, safety, and lives of our children.
Accountability must be demanded from those in positions of authority within our education system. School administrators, teachers, and staff have a moral and legal obligation to ensure the safety and welfare of every student under their care. When they fail to take proactive measures to prevent bullying, intervene effectively when incidents occur, and provide adequate support to victims, they are failing in their duty and should be fired. When people's jobs are on the line, you'll see how fast they take the issue of bullying seriously.
Moreover, those who neglect their responsibilities to protect our children must face legal consequences for their inaction in order to hole them accountable. Only by holding individuals and institutions accountable can we create safe environments for our children to learn, grow, and thrive.
Unfortunately, change often only occurs when individuals face consequences that directly affect them. If we truly want to see change, we must start by impacting those who refuse to take action. Whether it's through legal repercussions, public scrutiny, or social pressure, holding individuals and institutions accountable is essential for fostering real change.
When the consequences of inaction become too great to ignore, it becomes increasingly difficult for bystanders to turn a blind eye. We must collectively demand accountability and stand up against apathy, in order to see a change.
If you would like to use The Kindness Objective podcast as a platform to hold your childs school accountable, email your story to melissa@thekindnessobjective.org
With love and solidarity,
Melissa Marquais
Founder of The Kindness Objective
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