Kids Are Being Bullied to Death, But What Are Parents and Policymakers Doing About It?

17Dec
by Leticia Chavez-Garcia

You may have seen the viral video of Ohio dad, Matt Cox who made his 10-year old daughter walk 5 miles in 36-degree weather to school (as he followed alongside) as a punishment for being suspended from riding the bus to school due to bullying. Most agreed that while the punishment was harsh, it was needed and acceptable. Some felt differently and criticized Cox and said he was going overboard.

Let’s not forget though that bullying is a very big and widespread problem in our schools. In fact, when we hear of some extreme cases of bullying, we often ask, “where is the parent of the bully?” Well, we know where this parent is at. Handling his child in the best way he can to avoid a possible tragedy.

This week, 9-year-old McKenzie Adams, a future scientist, took her own life due to being bullied at school. She was tortured with racial taunts and kids would tell her to “just die” and other awful things. School officials were informed of the bullying, and nothing was done. On December 3rd, McKenzie hung herself.

What if Matt Cox just prevented the unintentional death-by-bullying of the kid on the bus? What if every parent took bullying this seriously and made their otherwise loving and beautiful child walk five miles in the cold to school to appreciate the gravity of their actions? What if we had more Matt Coxes and fewer parents in denial about their own children’s bullying of others? Let that sink in.

A new piece of legislation has been proposed in California by newly elected and recently sworn-in Assemblymember James Ramos-D AD40  (California’s first Native American legislator) that will address social bullying. Assembly Bill 34 (AB34) was submitted just after Ramos was sworn into office. We will be following this bill closely and applaud the member for bringing this timely and needed bill.  

What are your thoughts on bully shaming? Leave a comment and voice your opinion.  

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Leticia Chavez-Garcia

Leticia Chavez-Garcia is a Mother, Grandmother, former Middle School Teacher, former Member of a School Board of Education and an Education Advocate for hundreds of parents and students in the Inland Empire. Having become a mother at 15, Leticia knows what it’s like to be a single mother trying to navigate the education system. Leticia received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and Public Administration from California Baptist University and a Masters’ Degree in Education Technology from Cal State Fullerton in her 30’s. Leticia has used her knowledge and experience to help hundreds of families as an Education Advocate in the Inland Empire and currently works as an Education Specialist.

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