Dear Editor:
RE: CWDHS student charged in assault that sent fellow student to hospital, Oct. 14.
Fergus is a small town, and as we know, news travels fast. So, when I heard of the assault at the high school, my first thought was, “who’s to blame?”
Could it be that the school resource officer was removed from duty? Or that the school had failed to educate students on the effects of bullying? Did the community fail to participate in “Pink Shirt Day,” leading students to believe that bullying isn’t a serious issue? My answer to these questions is, maybe. However, bullying has been around long before police presence in schools, anti-bullying education programs and Pink Shirt Day existed. Who is responsible for children that physically and emotionally abuse others? In my opinion, their parents.
I know that this may get people fired up and defensive, but we need to take responsibility for our children, including their actions. We need to be engaged in our children’s lives, know their friends, and understand how they treat others. We also must hold our children accountable for their actions and stop defending their poor behaviour.
According to a study that used systems theory to understand and respond to family influences on children’s bullying behaviour, parenting styles that expose children to aggression, hostility, lack of affection, neglect and marital conflict are closely linked to aggressive behaviour and bullying.
It is time for all parents to come together as a community to address bullying and keep our children safe.
Finally, as the famous quote reads, “It takes a village to raise a child” – this has never been as clear as it is today.
Stephanie DiPaolo,
Fergus