I LOVE THIS ARTICLE! In middle school we were told in no uncertain terms that even if we did not start it, and there was no teachers in sight, that if we even attempt to defend my self, I will be suspended or possibly expelled. Thankfully my mom told me to do what I got to do, but I wonder how many parents reinforced such idiocy.
This mamma didn’t!
When my youngest was in middle school he came home complaining about a school employee’s kid who was always slamming heads in doors or lockers and tripping folks. I told him that he knew he’d get into trouble so he’d better get his money’s worth.
On one occasion, the principal even saw the kid trip him but only said, “Be nice, boys”.
A few days later, he came home and said, I did it and I’m glad!
Seems he took the kid out into the parking lot and cleaned his clock.
The principal called him out of class and read him the riot act as to how he’d behaved like a common criminal etc.
When he returned to class, they gave him a standing “O” and the teacher flipped the mike to the principal’s office open.
End of bullying!