I read with interest the recent front-page articles about bullying and cutting. I know full well they represent many students and mothers who have not voiced their pain and frustrations. As the author/screenwriter of “The Fat Boy Chronicles,” I visit schools around the nation to talk with students about these issues.
To hear the passionate words of Samantha and her mother as well as the Fayette County Schools’ response inspired me to write this letter. Samantha’s thoughts on how she was bullied in school unfortunately reflect the lives of many students in our schools. And her mother’s comments on cutting and other forms of self-injury offer insight into an ongoing problem.
As a former teacher, I know that adults in schools want the best for their students, and for bullying and cutting to be lessened. Yet, each day in schools more memories like Samantha’s are becoming part of young people’s lives.
So, what can be done? First is for schools to recognize, and acknowledge, that these problems exist and that they are real, immediate and life changing. The “perceived” depth of a problem often reflects the effectiveness of an offered solution.
Several times, at schools where I was asked to speak to students about bullying, empathy and kindness, I was told beforehand by teachers or administrators that, “We don’t really know why you’re here. We don’t have a problem.”
During my presentation I ask the students, “How many of you have seen someone bullied in the last week?” A majority of hands reach upward and those same adults express disbelief. With this revelation should come the understanding that there are two versions of reality in many schools.
In today’s teen world, anxieties are high and pressures are intense. These issues manifest themselves in self-harming and bullying. We read numerous media reports and Samantha’s words and realize that bullying is still prevalent. Also, this generation of students is more anxious than any ever. And they don’t really know why.
What have we as adults done to create these situations? And what can we do? These questions should be forefront in more discussions during PTA meetings, at teacher work days and in administrative retreats. To do otherwise risks more than a poor SAT score.
In screenwriting a steadfast rule is Action=Character. While I believe that schools everywhere, including FCS, want the best for their kids, I do contend that actions speak loud.
Multiple counselors are brought in to schools when there is a tragedy. Isn’t the slow deterioration of a meaningful school experience also worthy of counsel? When I see that schools with over a thousand students might have two or three counselors at best, I know we can do better. Improving test scores is not the only task of a school.
Each of the last three years, Peachtree City has hosted the Auburn University Anti-Bullying Conference. It is a three-day conference offering workshops and lectures on a variety of topics related to issues within our schools, the needs of students, and viable proven solutions for both. Participants come away with tools and new ideas that can and will make a difference in the lives of students.
I attended each year, either to present or just to listen and learn. I made it a point to ask where attendees were from, and I was surprised, but not shocked, by their response.
“Is there anyone here from Fayette County Schools?” I asked.
The lady searched the list and looked up with frown. “Not this time,” she answered.
Michael Buchanan
Alpharetta, Ga.
[Michael Buchanan is co-author of “Stealing First — The Teddy Kremer Story” (2016); writer for feature documentaries ”Spiral Bound” (2014) and ”Nature Matters” (2016); co-author/screenwriter of “The Fat Boy Chronicles” (2010); and winner of 2010 Mom’s Choice Gold Award, National Parenting Publications Gold Award for Teens and NY Champions of Character Award. He says, “my folks have lived in PTC since the 70s.”]
