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Administrators must take lead in combatting school bullying

Like a herd of cattle being ushered through a chute, students push their way through the crowds into the gymnasium, making their way to find a seat beside their friends.

Regarding the letter: The answer to bullying is not through the students.

Like a herd of cattle being ushered through a chute, students push their way through the crowds into the gymnasium, making their way to find a seat beside their friends. As the constable begins to speak at the front of the gym, about the increase of bullying activities that are taking place throughout schools across the province, many students tune out the sound of his voice, and ponder recent gossip.

For the very few who aren’t texting on their phones, but instead are listening to the words being said by the constable, they predict his next sentences; as it is the same story they had heard many times at other anti-bullying assemblies earlier that year.

As schools pour money into hosting these assemblies, in hope of changing the mentality students hold on bullying, they overlook one vital issue; the school’s mentality on bullying.

It does not begin with the changing of a student’s perspective on the matter, but instead it must start with the school’s tolerance of bullying. By hiring one of the many anti-bullying groups to give a presentation on the subject, the school’s administration anticipates the 1,800 students seated in the gym to suddenly have an epiphany, and the issue will forever be put at rest.

On the contrary, the students seated in the gym are only pleased to be missing their fifth period class.

It is the school’s responsibility to create a safe environment, where students do not have to fear bullying. If the school holds an honest reputation, with a zero bullying tolerance, then students can be expected to follow suit.

The reputation of the school will be respected by students, but the school must be the first to implement these regulations with a firm standing. The answer to bullying is not through the students, but through the school.

Kelli Gustafson

Red Deer