I work in several schools throughout the school year, but one theme is universal. Bullying. It takes many different forms. The most common form that I've seen is the formation of cliques. And if you aren't one of the select few, you are out. Maybe you don't have the right clothing brands, the right hairstyle, or your parents don't make enough money. Either way you are excluded and made fun of if you aren't in an "in" group.
We hear on the news stories of kids and teens who are severely depressed and even end up participating in self-destructive behavior to deal with their pain.
If I see this behavior in a class I'm subbing in I do my best to quiet the teasing, if only for a little while. Of course I can't control what happens after school and the next day.
What is our role as teachers in this issue? For years I think many teachers have ignored it or brushed it off. However, I don't think this is something we should ignore.
