Editorial: Get tough on bullying

Bullying probably happens in most school districts and communities, but bullying doesn’t “just happen.” More importantly, it doesn’t have to happen and it shouldn’t.

Anyone who thinks they don’t need to worry about bullying right now — this is summer time, after all, and school is out — should think again.

Bullying can occur in playgrounds. Bullying can occur at camps, swimming pools, beaches and anywhere children gather. Some of those “summer” sites don’t have adult supervision. Those facilities that do have people such as camp counselors and life guards on hand may not offer training to help them recognize and combat bullying.

We also should remember that cyber bullying occurs all too frequently through various forms of social media. This form of intimidation knows no season.

For all these reasons, we encourage our communities to adopt a zero-tolerance attitude toward bullying this summer and every day thereafter.

Parents, hold your children and teens accountable for their behavior. If they’re picking on or ostracizing other children, stop the behavior. If someone is bullying your child, find the resources to empower them.

Grownups, don’t hesitate to step in when you see someone else’s child belittling another and other hateful behaviors.

Children, stand up for others on the playground, not just your friends.

Let’s stop the bullying.

Tags: opinion, editorials