One of the problems in public schools where the number of students greatly outnumber the officiating body are school thugs, or in more common term bullies. Years ago, thugs and bullies were only seen on foreign films, because ever since school brutes were glitches in U.S.A.’s educational system. But as the turning of century unfolds it occurred to Filipinos that such obstruction also exists within our school grounds.
Usually whenever we hear cases of bullying, the underdog was the one on the pity spotlight. It was simple black and white. It is sad to see such stereo typing now a day.
Truth be told, it was amazing how people can change their judgment. Today it is like the age of colors, where in there are no Evil villains were born evil. Even Maleficent and the Evil Queen were given a new light. There are now other colors in between ‘black’ and ‘white’.
So why not show some heart to those who seemed to be lost up on their path? As teachers, it is our priority to uncover the whole situation, for like said above, there are other shades of grey between what we normally see. We should always find a rational explanation regarding what our students do.
Research proves that 70% of the time bullies are those who were abused and damaged at some point of their lives, driving them in a mental status wherein they think that in order to protect themselves they have to act tough and brute. This is where the guidance of the school personnel comes in.
Firstly, if a case of brutality and bullying occurred, both side needs to undergo counseling in order to reach the bottom line of the problem.
Second, a child should not be deemed guilty if not proven. Give them the benefit of a doubt.
Third, if it is indeed proven the child’s involvement, it is important that they know that no one will condemn them. They are just lost bet should not be forgotten. It is in the hand so adults to guide and nurture the students, to fix some errors and show them that ‘changing’ is not timed nor limited, they can turn tail away from the reputation and the fears they have. It will never be too late.
By: Luzviminda S. Hernandez |MT-I | Limay National Highschool
