Bullying

Cyber -Bullying. Attacks on the school bus. School yard hazing. Linda Ellerbee, who hosts Nick News with Linda Ellerbee attributes the Vulture Culture we live in as an impetus . "This is what happens when teens listen to adult talk shows and reality shows. They could not be more rude and cruel. Look at reality series. You're voted off the island. You are the weakest link. You are fat and ugly." She states that these shows are all about bullying, and we love them.

Ellerbee continues. "There is a part of me that looks and says, Why are you surprised when your 11 year old is bullying a 10-year-old? Didn't you watch last night and enjoy when somebody was brought to tears? That is the reality of reality TV."

Linda Ellerbee recently hosted a special for Nickelodeon -Sticks, Stones and Cyberslams. Real life stories of bullying and the consequences prompted Ellerbee to create the special. In an article in The Tulsa World, the reporter explains what prompted the topic. "For me, it was one week last year in which two little boys killed themselves. I remember reading both stories and trying to imagine an 11 year old child tying a rope over something, getting up in a chair, putting the rope around his neck and standing there, filled with such despair, he takes a step off. And then I read that both were connected with bullying."

The introduction to the special reports that, in the past 18 months, at least 10 children have killed themselves because of bullying. You can be targeted because you're tall, beautiful, short, awkward, smart or dumb says Barbara Coloroso. Coloroso is the author of Bully, the Bullied and the Bystander and explains that bullying is about treating another human being as "it. Bullying makes the perpetrator feel cool or powerful. They bully because their friends are doing the same thing. They themselves were often bullied as younger kids.

Using the Internet to taunt others, called cyber-bullying is increasingly popular and easy to access. Kids on the show: "You feel like you have alot more power behind the keyboard than to their face. It stays their forever." "You can say anything."

What to do? Kids on the show have started Anti-Bullying Leagues at their own school. Schools are monitoring school buses, establish bullying laws and empowering kids to help. Parents need to be tuned in to what is going on in their children's lives. Communities need to support education and positive choices for teens. An environment of acceptance, dignity and respect for everyone is important. Adult role models should emulate what's good in all of us-be it at the check out stand or in a political race.

The Tulsa World offers a link to the U.S. Health Resources and Service Administration site-it includes tips on what kids and parents can do, plus games and weisodes on the subject. (tulsaworld.com/bullying) Don't let anyone say, "they're just kids being kids." Bullied kids need to know that they are alone. They need to know it now. chrissie