Bullying is Serious Business

For years, law enforcement and school officials have realized that bullying is serious.  The harmful effects of bullying are real.  According to the U.S. government, children that are bullied are more likely to miss school, and that kids who bully are more likely that those who don't bully to be criminals once they are adults.  (click here for more info) 

Bullying, or being bullied, is not a rite of passage.  It is not something that any child should be subject to.  It does not build character.  Yet, even though we recognize these facts, kids still get bullied.  This weeks story from Upper Darby (click here) is a horrible example, but a real one.  It is so horrendous, it quickly made national headlines.  Evil exists.  It's unfortunate, but it's true.  In this case, a group of seven juveniles assaulted and terrorized another youth for sport.  Pure evil. 

The shame of the incident lies in my prediction:  The bullies, the seven teenagers who are charged with Aggravated Assault and Kidnapping, (among other charges) and then videotaping the assault for publication on the internet, will walk away from this incident without really paying for their crimes.  By exploiting the faults in the system, I predict that these young criminals will barely serve any time (any time served will not be in real prison - it will be in a camp-like juvenile facility), and when they are freed, their records will go on to be adult criminals.  All the while, their victim will be permanently scarred. 

My thoughts go to the victim and his family.