FOX 18 : KLJB/KGCW – Quad Cities: Davenport, Bettendorf,Beyond the Desk: Putting an End to Bullying

Beyond the Desk: Putting an End to Bullying

As a news anchor, I read stories to viewers every night hoping at least one thing they hear resonates with them. I had a similar assignment earlier today, but with a much different audience. I had the chance to read to kindergartners at Paul Norton Elementary in Bettendorf as part of the school's Reading Extravaganza week. I had a number of books to chose from, but when I saw the title of one-- I jumped at it.

Bullies Never Win, by Margery Cuyler, is about a little girl who is picked on by the same girl every day, but learns to eventually stand up to her and make the bully go away. When I read it to the students, I wanted each word to sink in, and for them to ultimately understand that bullying is not okay.

Maybe I was extra sensitive today.  Last night on FOX 18, we reported on a 10 year-old Champaign girl who took her own life last week after years of bullying. 10 years old. She shouldn't even know what suicide is at that age. Hard to imagine she felt that was the only way to make the pain go away.

As a member of the media, I believe it is our responsibility to keep the spotlight on the important issue of bullying. Hopefully, someday, we can look back and say it is no longer part of our children's culture at school. Until then we all need to do our part to educate ourselves and each other.