CT's new Anti-bully law is too inclusive and not appropriate for our youngest students, such as younger elementary students who are just learning how to socialize with their peers. Previously, name-calling or shoving on the playground could be handled on the spot as a teachable moment, with the teacher reinforcing the appropriate behavior. That’s no longer the case. Now it has to be documented, reviewed and resolved by everyone from the teacher to the anti-bullying specialist, principal, superintendent and local board of education.
A certain level of conflict between kids is normal, even healthy, and teaching our children how to handle everyday difficulties will prepare him/her for life. The problem begins when it surpasses normal childhood conflict and meets the three above-mentioned common markers for bullying: an imbalance of power, intent to harm, and threat of future harm. Conflict is a part of life, and ordinary, everyday conflicts can make kids stronger. Bullying does the exact opposite; it systematically makes kids weaker by undermining their self-esteem.
CT’s bully law takes away a healthy part of living and takes away an educational part of growing up. CT’s bully law labels our young children rather than education them. CT’s law is causing emotional damage to our young children being inappropriately labeled.
We petition to EDUCATE our young children and STOP labeling them.