In a baffling turn of events, an elementary school principal from Oregon, Michael Turner, has sparked outrage with his recent comments regarding bullying. Turner, the principal of Maple Grove Elementary in Scio, believes he has found the key to addressing bullying: the kids who are bullied need to tone down their behavior. Yes, you read that right.
In a Facebook video, Turner shares his perspective, stating that children who face bullying often lack social skills and are not the best friends. “In my experience, those who get bullied tend to annoy others, sometimes without realizing it, but often they do know and seem to enjoy it,” he explains in his series titled Understanding Bullying. According to him, this behavior justifies the actions of bullies, as they feel compelled to “teach them a lesson.”
It’s alarming that a person in his position, tasked with guiding young minds, would suggest that the responsibility lies with the victims. Instead of addressing the bullies’ choices to harass their peers, Turner implies that the solution is for bullied children to modify their behavior.
Moreover, he offers advice to parents of bullies, suggesting that they should encourage their children to consider how they might be alienating their peers. “If your child is being targeted, you might want to help them understand how they could be coming across as annoying,” Turner advises. This notion has drawn criticism from parents who argue that it places undue blame on victims, a sentiment echoed by many who believe that bullying should be addressed at its source.
As one parent, Lisa Hart, aptly points out, “It sends a message that being bullied is somehow their fault, which is simply horrifying.” Imagine telling your child, who has been subjected to bullying, that they need to change to fit in better. This kind of thinking is not only misguided; it perpetuates a damaging narrative that kids who are bullied must bear the burden of their peers’ actions.
In an age when we should be promoting empathy and understanding, it’s disheartening to see such regressive attitudes. Children should feel safe and supported at school, and it’s crucial to foster an environment where all kids can thrive without fear of harassment.
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In summary, the comments made by principal Michael Turner highlight a troubling perspective on bullying, shifting the blame onto victims rather than addressing the actions of the bullies. This approach not only harms those affected but also undermines the fundamental values of compassion and accountability that schools should promote.