New RISD bullying program

This fall, the Richardson Independent School District launched a new, comprehensive educational program designed to stop bullying. Lessons are targeted both to potential bullies, who are encouraged to work cooperatively and respect differences in others, and to potential victims, who are empowered to recognize and speak out when they feel threatened by another student. Classmates, who might be inclined to remain bystanders, are taught strategies for dealing with students bullying others. Leading the charge is RISD Director of Student Assistance Programs Jill Darling, who has made the project a high priority for the district.

I am delighted to see the program come to fruition, three years after a serious and especially ugly bullying incident at Forest Meadow Junior High. After weeks of torment in the Charger locker room, a seventh grader defended himself against several persistent thugs. Unfortunately, they came at him when he happened to have a locker lock in his hand, and in one defensive move he gave the bully a head wound requiring stitches. Despite protests by student witnesses, the victim was handcuffed and taken to jail. After spending a night locked up, family court Judge John Shoulden had the wisdom and guts to release the child to his parents. He spent six weeks at the RISD Alternative Learning Center.

During the parental outcry which resulted, Jill Darling met with Forest Meadow parents and promised she would bring an anti-bullying program to students. Thank you, Ms. Darling and RISD for following through with your promise.

Comments

[Gina Blanton]

If only the "anti-bullying" program addressed the parents and teachers who are prone to spread gossip and rumors about students. Facing a student accuser who is using lies to hurt others is far different than trying to ferret out the adult who has taken a rumor about a student and promoted it to others. Having an adult spread gossip and innuendo leads credence to scandalous speculation. Is there some way Jill Darling can address the adults in Lake Highlands? They seem to be the reason so many energetic and excited sophmore students become disappointed and scramble for other states or even other countries during college.

[eyeswideopen]

MSNBC = "Bullies may get kick out of seeing others in pain
Aggressive teens' brains light up at the sight of distress, experts say"

I was interested to see if anyone would respond to Gina's bold response as Gina's Previous post/response was sadly accurate. This issue does exist and is treated as the huge pink elephant within the community. The article posted on MSNBC prompted my return to the subject asking that we as a community decisively address this fairly serious issue. There are no repercussions for the bullies - unless the bullies become aware that we will not tolerate rumor and innuendo within this community. This goes to Adults, Teachers and Students of all ages.