Craig Daily Press / An education in conflict resolution

Archive for Thursday, November 13, 2003

November 13, 2003

The Moffat County School District should be commended for implementing a program called Second Step, which gives students tools to stop conflicts before they start.

If harassed by fellow students, students are advised to talk to the offender first and let them know their feelings are being hurt, then walk away if the harassment continues. Finally, students go to an adult in hopes of stopping the continued bullying behavior.

Too many times we have heard of too many incidents that end tragically because bullying has gone too far.

The Second Step program -- "Talk, Walk, Squawk" -- begins in elementary school when students' behavior is more apt to be modified than later on.

Bullying, as it should be, has become unacceptable behavior that not only intimidates other students but destroys a positive learning environment.

While some may think bullying is just part of growing up and a way for young people to learn to stick up for themselves, it can make young people feel lonely, unhappy and frightened.

It makes them feel unsafe and think there must be something wrong with them. They lose confidence and may not want to go to school any more.

We believe that this shouldn't be a part of anyone's educational experience.