At this point in the investigation the reason for the school shooting in Ohio is unclear. Media reports are culled from witnesses, rumors and hunches. Witnesses are unrelaible in many cases. Conjecture from kids in the school may offer some insight and investigational direction, but the truth may take some time to emerge. Looking at the reports so far we can try to understand the possible motives.
One commenter said the shooter, a student himself, was a "loner" and was bullied. Was his response to the bullying this murderous rampage? Could be. We have seen that before. Some people are pushed very hard, especially some kids. The bullying that goes on can be cruel and non-stop. It attacks a persons sense of self worth.
When you combine the normal insecurities of childhood with the tension and pain of being picked on everyday you can get an explosive reaction. If that is the case here the school must review what it does to ensure that bullying is stopped when it happens.
The parents of the bully's are also responsible and must take action to stop their kids from attacking other kids. Its not good enough to simply say "Dont pick on Johhny even if he is weird" this reenforces the bully's beleif that he or she is superior to Johnny. Once out of sight of mom and dad the bully kid will continue to act out. Instead the parents should be held accountable for their kids actions. If your child is a bully and you do not take corrective action you will face consequences.
We all know bully's. They exist everywhere, not just in the world of kids but adults have to deal with them too. How about the bully boss? The road rage bully or the drunk in the bar thats ready fight anyone he thinks he can take.
Bullying is the result of a persons over reaching attempt to overcome their own weak opinon of themselves. By attacking somone else they displace that self doubt and feel better about themselves. This is Psych 101 stuff. The problem with bullying is that if it is not shut down with the greatest force posible, it just grows.
Today two young people lay dead in a morgue. A senseless loss of life, tragedy for a community and individual families and many unanswered questions remain.
The why of this incident will be revealed soon enough. Ths shooter did not take his own life so he can be interviewed and hopefully some insight can be gained to prevent future horrors.
Look inward. Are you a bully? Is your kid a bully?
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