Teasing/harassment in school is unquestionably a problem these days. There are several hypotheses offered for this. The most common that I've seen repeated is that kids are inherently cruel and thus, the solution to the problem is more control.

The purpose of this thread is to offer an alternative. That alternative is one that I experienced; a constructive outlet. That outlet in particular was a boyscout pack. That boyscout pack was lead by a very strong willed and enthusiastic man. His lessons centered around fair play and in specific standing up for those who are weaker than you. It's been too long for me to remember precisely how he pulled this off, but I do remember him telling a lot of stories where the heroic behavior that the story centered upon was standing up for those weaker than you are. We were taught only to fight as a last resort, but hold our ground. As a result, the bullying at my school (at least from my scope) was alleviated. Not only did it provide a measure of protection for the lower social class, but it also resulted in a number of those who would have been bullies becoming protectors instead.

Young boys base their opinion of what it means to be a man by observing men around them. So, I suggest that one possible solution to the bullying problem is a program similar to my boyscouts. Men teaching all young men the positive facets of masculinity, and also providing a positive role model could potentially alleviate the problem of male bullying to near irrelevancy.

Thoughts?

IMO the teasing/harassing problem extends throughout our evolution; it’s still in our genetics from back when the leaders of packs were defined by brute force/warrior contest.

Anyone who deals with young children can testify that there is a small percentage of toddlers that exhibit higher levels of aggression towards other kids, therefore I’m thinking that it’s part of our genetic makeup.

While positive influences from a parent, a scout leader or etc can provide constructive teachings, there will always be those who will lash out with aggression.

While I agree that there is a lack of constructive influences in children’s lives, I am not sure if it is worst than it was years ago.

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Anyone who thinks freedom comes cheap, please put the blindfold on and stand against the wall.

Many times I believe Americans will have to take back the country and start a new government.

I'd say that it is on the increase. Children will push boundaries as they learn how to socialize. As the number of children raised on the teat of television instead of receiving actual parenting increases, those boundaries become less clear, and the inappropriate behavior increases as well.

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When they come a wull staun ma groon
Staun ma groon al nae be afraid
Thoughts awe hame tak awa ma fear
Sweat an bluid hide ma veil awe tears

What you're saying is true IMO.

The teasing/harassing/bullying problems have GOTTEN worse BECAUSE of lack of constructive influences in children’s lives. - It looks that way to me at least -

Why has there become less constructive influences in children’s lives ?

That's the question I think.

I answered that question.

You, unfortunately, don't like being adequately challenged, so you put me on ignore. Too bad.

Maybe someone will quote me so you can read my other post.

__________________
When they come a wull staun ma groon
Staun ma groon al nae be afraid
Thoughts awe hame tak awa ma fear
Sweat an bluid hide ma veil awe tears