Bullying behavior a perplexing problem

As a new school years begins, educators and parents are turning to the perplexing problem of bullying.  The perception of the problem has changed from being a normal part of growing up to a pressing social and public health issue.  According to Clemson professor Sue Limber, bullying is not on the rise–numbers suggest it is decreasing in some areas–but the complete elimination of it may be wishful thinking.  Limber says prevention efforts can reduce the harmful effects of bullying and the rate of bullying, so equipping parents and teachers with effective strategies for identifying and addressing negative behavior is a more realistic approach.  All Clemson experts on the subject agree that parents and teachers should not just expect kids to “figure it out” themselves.  Bullying behavior is not something that “makes a child tougher,” and telling a child to ignore it or “just laugh it off” is a missed opportunity to address the behavior.