You're are absolutely correct. Bullying does need to be fought. So many don't understand the extent of bullying and it's consequences. As we are seeing it has far reaching detrimental effects if someone is not given the tools or support needed to combat it. Using the old 'Sticks and Stones' phrasing is the worst way to confront this too. Words hurt. Words do more damage. A broken bone heals. Yes the bone is 'scarred' but it usually is a bit stronger as a result. Word work their way in to the small recesses of your mind and take root. Whether you blow them off or not, you can't unhear it. The second it enters your mind it's there. With a broken bone we learn not to do something that can cause it.

I agree we need to let our kids be kids. Enjoy that time while its there, it's too short of a time in our live not to allow our children to have. Be creative and crazy. Go play in the mud. Go ride their bikes, skateboard, play sports.They may even figure out what they might want to do with their future if they did all of this.

That sucks you had to go to those lengths to get results. I don't understand why schools, and local school districts seem to be pretty apathetic towards a lot of this.