Bullying seems to be the thing today, not only in Vicksburg but across our country. The bullies almost always come out smelling like a rose.

The story almost always plays out the same. The parents of the child being bullied go to the school and talk to the administrator/teacher and while they seem sympathetic it ends up that they turn their heads and “hear nothing, see nothing, and do nothing” because they don’t want to become involved. The bullied child’s parents approach the bullies’ parents, but they do nothing because they had rather not be bothered.

This may be coming to an end very shortly. Gov. Haley Barbour, whom I just adore since he is not afraid to stand up for what is right, signed into law Senate Bill No. 2015 a few weeks ago. All school districts must have their policies in place by Dec. 31, 2010, with a plan to handle bullies and everything associated with them.

The bill states that “the policies must also recognize the fundamental right of every student to take reasonable actions as may be necessary to defend himself or herself from an attack by another student who has evidenced menacing or threatening behavior through bullying or harassing.” Among other things, the law covers gestures and written, electronic, or verbal communications that take place on school property.

The educational performance of a child who is bullied is threatened because a child cannot learn properly if he or she doesn’t feel safe at school. If you are the parent of a bully, please talk to your child, get a grip on him or her, explain what can happen if he or she doesn’t stop the bullying or harassing. Don’t wait for something drastic to happen before you do this.

By all means, teach your child the teachings of Jesus which are peace, love and joy instead of teaching them hate, which will only hurt them in the end.

Betty A. Stout

Vicksburg