Trying To Stop Bullying

January 12, 2012 /
Iowa City Press-Citizen, Susan Harman

http://www.press-citizen.com/article/20120112/SPORTS/301120005/Prep-programs-try-discourage-bullying?odyssey=nav|head

The allegations of bullying (to put it mildly) by some members of the Lisbon and Nodaway Valley High School wrestling teams have unfortunately brought this kind of abusive peer behavior to the forefront again.

Although both Iowa incidents involved wrestling teams, the behaviors are not limited to athletic teams nor to any particular types of athletic teams.

Let’s be clear: If the allegations in either case are true, this wasn’t “boys being boys.” They were not pranks. They were assaults and a breach of common human decency.

“It is a topic of great importance in the athletic community,” City High Athletic Director D’Anne Kroemer said. “Bullying, harassment, hazing are all unacceptable behaviors.”

Bullying and hazing are not new nor are they confined to high schools. Adolescent, immature group-think ranges from “mean girls” in the hallways to sororities, fraternities and even college bands. Florida A&M’s marching band was just penalized for hazing some of its members.

What is new is the technology and social media available to capture and publicize the humiliation of the victim.

“There is that fine line between tradition and ritual and hazing and bullying,” Kroemer said. “Unfortunately, oftentimes that line becomes gray. What we strive to do is educate and change the mindset of those who believe it is a rite of passage. If it offends or it is hurtful to one, then it can’t be a practice that is continued to be allowed.”

As Kroemer suggests, our approach as a society has evolved. The so-called tough-guy behavior that college football coaches like Woody Hayes used to exhibit doesn’t pass muster now.

West High Athletic Director Marv Reiland said some seemingly benign old-school rites of passage, like having underclassmen lug equipment, have even been re-examined.

“You have to make sure everyone has ownership in doing those things,” he said. “It’s an ongoing, continual battle where you have to stress the importance to kids to respect one another’s rights and privacies.”

Kroemer and Reiland said City and West try to be proactive by providing coaches, students and parents with information about bullying and providing information about resources available to educate students. Both state athletic associations and the national federation are involved in providing information and resources to combat these behaviors.

“Safety has to be the first priority,” Kroemer said. “Whether it’s physical safety, emotional safety, mental safety. All of our students have to feel safe about being part of a program and knowing that teammates, coaches, administrators and the community care about their well-being.”

Reiland said the head coach is a key.

“He’s got to say, ‘Hey, we’re not condoning that type of activity,’” Reiland said. “We don’t want it to happen, and if it does, there will be consequences. Hopefully, there’s been enough in the news lately that kids will open their eyes and say, ‘Whew. Whatever we’re doing, we better stop doing that.’”

Kroemer said she thinks such incidents are rare in Iowa. But a routine scan of the national radar indicates the problem persists and can have tragic consequences. Kids are still kids, and some don’t all have a well-developed sense of self respect or respect for peers who may be different or differently talented. Athletic teams have some inherent issues such as playing time and talent differential that can create friction. Even the strongest coach can’t control everything.

Students, parents, coaches and administrators have to be sure that kids understand help is available. Students have to be made to feel comfortable in calling attention to abusive behavior.


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