The Bullying Debate Main

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SpeakFree Series

There was a tremendous response to SpeakFree in May from the WHO IS THE REAL BULLY? story. So much, in fact, that we created a special series about the bullying debate.

In the series, readers debated the problem of growing violence facing children at school and at home. Some blamed loose gun laws in the United States. Others singled out specific political figures. BUT… many submissions sent to SpeakFree suggested whether gun laws were strict or not, if a child had access to a gun at home, it was the parent’s fault. The debate was in full force for Part Two when guns were the focus of many messages sent in.

EXCERPT: WHO IS THE REAL BULLY?

“School violence in elementary schools doesn't seem to be a great concern for society. It's the stories with gun- or bomb-toting students who are older that grip the nation. Many times the result in these situations is death. And typically after an incident, the stories about the assailant's childhood and upbringing are analyzed. Quite often there is a link between the two. Instead of blaming the peers of the child next time something like this happens, perhaps grown-ups should take a step back and look at the techniques used in raising the children. Maybe then the question that should be asked is, "How did I contribute to the problem?" instead of finger-pointing at the kids.”

PART ONE

-a mother speaks out about the loss of her child

-moms SpeakOut

-the debate over guns begins

-new feature “ASK JB” with letters to JB

-readers let loose in another SpeakFree-for-all

CLICK HERE

PART TWO

-a former bully speaks out

-reaction to Part One’s Featured Story

-another edition of “ASK JB”

-results of the related WebPoll