No school immune from bullying

Dear Annie: I sent my children to a Christian school so they could get a quality education along with faith and good values. Sadly, it hasn’t been the experience I was wishing for. This school has more bullying than a public school.

Bullying is not just saying horrible things to each other or hitting. It also is being left out and not feeling welcome. Kids at this school who are not sports stars or whose families don’t have money are outsiders. The saddest part is that it is not only the students. There are also parents who refuse to acknowledge the less well-off parents at school events.

Many children have transferred out of this school because of the bullying. I was taught that you treat others how you want to be treated. Each child is an individual and should be respected as such. I am sure other parents have these same concerns, but no one speaks up. I ask that all parents set a good example for their children and pay attention to what they may or may not be doing. Is your child being a bully? Are you teaching them to judge others by what they look like or how much money they have? Is this your school? — Sad Parent in Nebraska

Dear Nebraska: No school comes with a guarantee that the behaviour of the parents and children will be exemplary. Bullying occurs everywhere. It is important that you teach your child how to deal with intimidating behaviour from others and that school administrators and teachers are aware of the problem so they can address it. Ultimately, parents must do what is best for their children, and sometimes that means moving them to a different school where they can prosper.

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. To find out more about Annie’s Mailbox and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.

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