No one has to guess what this student thinks and feels about bullying. The poster says it all. Sawtooth Elementary students made a lot of anti-bullying posters, and some of them are displayed on the walls of the hall opposite the high school office. Staff photo/Brian Larsen
As I continue my career journey in the realm of public school education, I often lie awake at night asking myself how we can best serve the youth of our county. As our current students are doing now, I too, grew up in Cook County.
I walked the same hallways, have sat in the same classrooms, ran and played on the same football field, and even found an old textbook with my name in it a few years back. Don’t tell them…. but I even work with some of the former teachers. The hallways probably look a bit nicer now and many of the classrooms have changed. However, even throughout the changes over time, many things for students in Cook County have not.
Kids want to find a safe and fun peer group to be accepted in. For some, this comes really easy while for other students, this is a fundamental challenge each and every day in and out of school. It is precisely the reason why I never want any of my kids to become a bully or have any characteristics you might associate with one. Every one of us has a burden to carry of some kind or another. The last thing we need is for someone in our lives to give us a hassle about the shirt we are wearing, how our glasses look, or why we are inferior in some superficial way.
Making things more challenging for today’s students is the incredible invention of social media. Numerous studies have directly linked the surge in teenage anxiety and depression with the increased use of digital media and cell phones. Everyone who has experience with digital media in one platform or another knows that everyone is a lot braver online.
Conversations whether through Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, or even good ol’ email are always bolder, less respectful, and oftentimes lead to the vile comments we see at the bottom of every political article we have ever read online.
People tend to be a lot less brave when forced to communicate in a face-to-face setting. In my opinion, people should be able to disagree on issues and still maintain a civil conversation. As parents and adults, our children learn directly from our example. Are we kind to others? Do we live on social media and on our cell phone? Do we treat others with respect? Do we engage in and enjoy gossip? Would other adults or peers consider you a bully?
As I walk down the hallways of Cook County Schools, all of society’s challenges lie before us. I do remember particular classmates of mine who were particularly mean to me. I remember going through a short phase where I really didn’t enjoy school because of them. I don’t want that experience for any student here at school.
While as educators we can’t stop each and every negative or harmful comment that is made between students, we can strive to lead by example and turn negative setbacks into teachable moments. We can also attempt to teach young people how to communicate better; how to be kind; and how to accept others for who they are. It is a constant teaching process that never ends.
Our number one ally in this process is parents, guardians, and community members who choose to communicate clearly, with honesty, and in a positive manner. Do you lead by example?
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