9 year old kills himself after coming out as gay

I know you don't believe the parents of the bullies deserve any blame and that's where we disagree. I can only raise my own kids. One of my kids was very shy and I had to teach her to speak up and stand up for herself. My youngest is the complete opposite, so I taught him to stand up for others.

Perhaps the subject of how to treat others should become as important as reading and math.

 

Exactly what I've been saying. Thanks Rittz.

 

What's wrong with being shy? Society today fetishes being outgoing way too much and often natural introversion is confused for some form of pathological shyness.

School should focus on education and education only. The rest has to come from home.

 

Indeed - small wonder kids are so confused these days, or a bit cranky.

 

That sounds good, but this is not a just world we live in. If my kid is in a sick school environment, and there are plenty, then the best thing I could do for her is to get her into a healthier one asap. Which I have done, with excellent results for my child, who is, after all, MY responsibility. Justice for the bully may be called for, but my child's immediate well being will always be my first priority.

 

That makes sense. I guess it is important to treat each individual scenario for just that, individual scenarios. But, a general rule of thumb, certainly, is to not punish the victim.

Especially with public schooling, the lack of freedom (or at least a sense there of) triggers bullying and for the victim, the lack of freedom means - or feels like - they cannot leave. Of course, victims should have the right to leave, but schools should never force them to.

 

There is nothing wrong with being shy. Staying shy is the problem. Chin up, shoulders back, speak up or live your life being walked on. Teach them young or end up with passive aggressive adults. While this should come from home, it does not and never will. The moment a child demonstrates this behavior, the sooner it is addressed, the better.

Keep in mind that punishing bullies only masks the symptom; it doesn't address the underlying condition. It only makes them better at hiding it.