I was part of a panel this evening talking to an audience of parents and students about bullying and ways to prevent it… I am not a parent myself but do report often on the unfortunate circumstances that can often result from bullying whether it be in person.. or through popular social networks… or through texting… the discussion was after the play called “Secret Life of Girls” running at the Taubman Museum of Art Roanoke Children’s Theater through October 24th.

There are so many different mediums these days for a bully’s message and in my opinion the internet and cell phones add to the prevalence because there is less direct accountability… a person can fire off a hateful message and not have to see the response.. not have to deal with a reaction but take some kind of sick satisfaction in knowing that they have hurt another person’s feelings…

One parent asked what she should do about her child being the target of other neighborhood kids and their ridicule.. Should she talk to the parents of the other children… where should she turn… there were several different opinions but the best explanation is that cases that involve a bully are all individual situations.. so for instance.. if the woman is comfortable with talking to the parents.. then by all means do so… they may be horrified to learn their son or daughter is taking part in hurting the feelings of a neighbor’s child… the most important message is to talk about it… kids need to talk to their parents or teachers.. parents need to talk to school officials… or talk to your family physician.. he or she has been there for years while your child has gone through many different phases and may be able to offer some guidance.

Contact the Taubman Museum of Art if you are interested in checking out the play… it is time and money well spent and may open some eyes to an issue that is facing our children and can have some serious and dangerous consequences if we all don’t work to put and end to the ridicule.