Like most parents, I spend a good deal of time worrying about bullying. Worried that my Tsunamis may one day fall victim to a group of bullies, yes. But perhaps even more concerned that one day they might take it on themselves to become one.
I know in my heart of hearts that my sweet little cherubs would never intentionally hurt someone else. They know it's wrong to tease and judge others and from a young age we've shown them how important it is to stand up for the little guy. But there is a little argy-bargy happening amongst the Cappers' friends and I do think from time to time "Heaven help me, I don't want to be raising a Mean Girl."
How will I know? How does anyone know?
I've never met an adult who admits to being a bully.
I know lots of people who were bullied, but I don't know anyone who says they bullied them.
Why is that?
I look back on my own childhood and teenagedom and I don't think I was ever a Mean Girl. If I did, it's not something I remember. Is that what happens? Bullies just forget? Is the act of bullying only significant to the victim? Is it 'just another day' to the bully? That's a right worry, that is.
I was fortunately enough to escape the cruelty of bullying, but people close to me weren't so lucky. I often used to wonder if their bullies ever felt sorry for what they had done.
Nowadays I just wonder if their bullies even acknowledge it.
Are they adults who admit to being bullies, or do they also express disbelief and deny they could ever do such a thing? Do they feel the burden of responsibility for the way they changed a life?
Where do bullies go?
Did you ever bully anyone? How do you feel about that today?
Were you the victim of a bully and did they ever apologise?
Anonymous comments welcome.
[Image by Mi Zhang found here]