EDITORIAL: Teachers’ effort more than drop in a bucket
On the Kamloops This Week website are two stories about bullying.
One is disturbing in that it tells of yet another way youth are bullying each other — in this case, by writing horrible comments on BC Hydro boxes in Kamloops.
The other story tells of Chase elementary teacher Jennifer Jones and her wonderful bucket and classroom dojo projects, where the idea is to improve the way children interact and view themselves.
As one student noted, the proactive endeavours can go a long way to reducing bullying.
Jones and her work deserve to be highlighted. She is obviously a passionate teacher who should be celebrated.
If only all parents were as enthusiastic and involved in the kids’ lives.
Granted, it is not possible to document every minute of your child’s life, to ensure your sweet little one is not mocking others, stealing lunch money or writing terrible things about fellow students on public property.
But, there is a reason some kids do become bullies — be it the verbal, physical or emotional kind.
And, much of that reason does indeed bloom at home.
It is incumbent for parents to get involved with their children, to talk with them, spend time with them, ask questions of them and, most importantly, know when to be a parent and say no.
Bullying has been in the news so often lately, it is becoming white noise among the various issues of the day that dominate conversation.
Do not let the issue fade away.
Do not let a publicized suicide become something that happened back then.
As a parent, get involved with your kids and stay involved with your kids.
Lives truly are at stake — get involved and stay involved lest the end of one is later traced to a careless and mean comment scrawled on a BC Hydro box.
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