Bullying Punishment Not A Solution To The Issue

Bullying is a growing concern in schools. More and more students are bullied and despite the government's action, the issue remains. What should be done to stop bullying?

'The Trump Effect' Brings Fear to School Children

According to a new report from Southern Poverty Law Center titled The Trump Effect: The Impact of the Presidential Campaign on our Nation's Schools, Donald Trump's seat in the White House brought fears to children. There is a rise in racist and vicious bullying against the minorities and there are growing anxiety and insecurity among the minorities concerning their future after the election.

"There is a boy from Mexico, who is a citizen, who is terrified that the country will deport him if Trump wins," one teacher wrote. Another teacher disclosed that a number of her students have begun showing hatred against refugees and low-income families. These children have increased religious bias as well.

There is no doubt that bullying is on the rise. What should the government do to end this?

Anti-Bullying Laws

All 50 states, including the District of Columbia, have an anti-bullying law but the trend continues. According to EconoTimes, the majority of the laws does not respond to bullying other than punishing the bully. Often times, the bully will be suspended or expelled from school.

For instance, in Montana, the last state to pass an anti-bullying law, their law simply prohibits bullying. "Bullying of a student enrolled in a public K-12 school by another student or an employee is prohibited," the report said.

Per the report, the lack of guidance or mandates suggests that schools are treating bullying similar to other serious disciplinary issues where they just suspend or expel students.

Why Punishment Don't Work?

According to a study, "there is limited evidence that mandatory suspensions are effective at curbing aggressive or bullying behavior." Punishing does not help bullies improve their behavior. While it sends the message that bullying is unacceptable, it did not help them understand why. So, bullies remain bullies.

EconoTimes suggest that there should be interventions to curb bullying behavior. Do you agree with this? Do you have any suggestion to stop bullying? Share your thoughts below.