Dateline on Bullying: ‘My Kids Would Never….Bully’
Posted on March 4, 2011 at 8:56 am
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Thanks to commenter Barbara Gibson for suggesting that I recommend this important Dateline episode about teen bullying. Parents get some surprises when they watch as hidden cameras reveal their children reacting to different bullying situations they think are really happening. Even children who know what is right can succumb to peer pressure and the insecurity inherent in adolescence makes teens vulnerable to picking on others to feel superior. This is a good opportunity to watch as a family and start some important conversations.
This episode was fantastic. I am a 28 year old male, and was bullied tremendously in my youth. Seeing some of these scenarios made me angry because it reminded me of the people who bullied me, but it was also heartwarming. There were times where I just started crying because I was upset, but also touched by the bystanders who really took a stand against the bullies, as well as the victims.
Lilly, the girl who took a stand against the bullies like none of the other students, was very touching to watch. I started crying. If I could see her in person, I would give her a hug and tell her that I wish there was someone like her around when I was being bullied. I was also very touched by Veronica’s reaction, who started crying because she was being bullied a lot in school.
This episode could not have been presented in a better way – using hidden cameras and actors to show how others will react. The traditional method of teaching, which is reading a textbook, is only effective for a small percentage of people. This presentation was a true test to show the parents how their kids really act, and also put the kids on the spot (without knowing it) to test how they react around bullies.
Thank you so much for this perceptive comment, Chris. It means the world to me and will be of enormous help to the readers of this site who will see themselves in your experiences and illuminating understanding.
Lilly is a rock star and will go very far in life! I love her and her leadership capabilities. If even 25% of people had her guts and bravery, the world would be a much better place! GO LILLY!!
You are so right, Kelly! I hope she gets a lot of wonderful feedback for her courage and integrity.
Bravo to the very brave children who stood up to the despicable behavior of the bullies. I watched with my daughters and we cheered for Lilly, I almost cried, because I was moved by the risk she took. This is so hard for girls to do when surrounded by their peers. Thankyou Dateline for a wonderful segment. I think this should be rerun.
Thanks, Jocelyn! Every school should show this to their students.
Full videos on the bullying episode.