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beng-nltoday at 7:48 AM2 repliesview on HN

Well said. I think we all shouldnt be too quick to assume that the problem starts with the person doing the bullying, nice and simple as that would be.


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Tade0today at 9:22 AM

My bully had two much older brothers and I guess that's how he learned to communicate, so I communicated back. We became friends afterwards.

Looking back it's not the physical bullying that was the most damaging, but social. I went to a different middle school and without a support network it was difficult to say the least.

naaskingtoday at 12:49 PM

> I think we all shouldnt be too quick to assume that the problem starts with the person doing the bullying

I don't think anyone is making that assumption, but being ok with corporal punishment likely comes down to three things:

1. We should care more about victims of violence than perpetrators, and all measures should be taken to protect victims and prevent victimization, even if it hurts perpetrators. Meaningful consequences for violent behaviour is critical.

2. The belief the physical deterrents work, if applied consistently and not abused to the point where it doesn't provide clear guidance as to acceptable behaviour.

3. That the primary job of schools and educators is to provide a safe and effective learning environment. Being therapists that get to the root of problematic behaviour is neither in their training nor in their job description.

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