The July 23, 2010 op-ed page in the New York Times offers an article from two professors at Williams College in Massachusetts (Engel and Sandstrom). They cite a new state law and the fact that many other states are taking similar measures. Their research finds that in order to combat bullying, schools need to make it an essential part of the curriculum. They tell us we need to teach kids to be “good to each other” without giving them rational for doing so. I believe that bullies ultimately suffer for their behavior and that being kind is in one’s own self interest. Yes, it is selfish to be kind to others. What goes around, comes around. This goes against the idea of being good for goodness sake, which is the sense I get from this article. Let me know what you think.
Here is the link to this article.
This is a great article and I hope many more school districts take the steps that they have in Mass. It takes a community to make things happen.