Opinion : Anti-bullying program is good one for schools : Sidney Herald, Sidney, Montana

Anti-bullying program is good one for schools

Published on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 4:04 PM MDT

That’s my story
Bill Vander Weele

Kudos to the Sidney School District for presenting another program in an attempt to decrease bullying practices that occur at all schools.

Last year, the school district was successful by bringing in John Halligan to talk to area middle school and high school students. His powerful message described how bullying led to his 13-year-old boy committing suicide.

On Aug. 30, the school will present Rachel’s Challenge for students and parents. Rachel Scott was the first person killed at the Columbine High School tragedy.

Rachel was known as a very kind person, and her diaries have become a main part of this powerful school program. The presentation will include audio/visual footage and a 45-minute training session.

The event will take place at 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at Sidney High School.

Financial assistance and volunteer help for this event would be appreciated. If interested, call Sidney Middle School Principal Kelly Johnson, 433-4050.

Although bullying has also been a serious problem for certain age groups, the incidents are now more frequent and can be even worse due to technology. Instead of being mean to someone to their face, it’s a lot easier to say something nasty with a text or on the Internet.

This is an opportunity to make a difference in some people’s lives. Instead of simply acknowledging it’s a problem, it’s time for some of us to step up and help with the solution.

Bill Vander Weele is the editor for the Sidney Herald. He can be reached at 406-433-240| editor@sidneyherald.com

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Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of the Sidney Herald.

IT WILL wrote on Jul 28, 2010 11:27 AM:

" take more than a presentation to make a difference in the "Bullying" in the schools here. My daughter attending the middle school being bullied from the first day she walked in the door, being called a lesbian, because she was not "boy crazy" at 12 years old, people saying they were her friend and stealing things from her,being lied to and mislead. My daughter attending the presentation about bullying at the middle school, it didnt make one once of difference....she was bullied that same day. I guess a child is considered different because she is smart, doesnt smoke, drink or chase boys at age 12 then they are a target for bullying. Fortunately she was able to move away from the situation, what are you waiting for a child here in Sidney to be in the "spot light" because she/he was bullied to the point where they take their own life because of it? "

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