When the bully is a school employee... Most incidents of bullying by school staff go unresolved and contribute to increased aggression with in the school. This includes bullying by teachers, principals and others. When a child or teen is bullied by an adult, they feel powerless and scared. Even if the child speaks to a parent, many times it will not be taken to the next level. Parents trust the teachers and school staff are just being "strict" or that their child must be doing something wrong. The child then has a decreased confidence in others to help them, even when they are right. Then you have blatant lies by the bully if they are confronted. They will attempt to turn the victim into the person who is wrong. They will spin the information as to make the child look like a trouble maker in order to make themselves look like the one who is being victimized by the simple allegations. The other adults are more inclined to believe the person in authority. There is an implied trust in school staff that they are always going to act in the best interests of our children. There is an unwritten rule that principals are going to back their teachers, school administrators are going to back their principals and the circle continues. Parents need to listen to their children and accept that while the majority of teachers and principals are going to act in a professional manner, some are less than professional. Some are downright rude and egotistical with overbearing attitudes and inflated egos. if you find that your dealing with a situation that you truly do not believe your child has done, go with your instinct and what is most plausible to you. In saying this. I urge you to keep an open mind. We all want to believe that our children are not capable of being rude or causing others problems so make sure you look at the whole situation with open eyes. Do not be manipulated by your child or by the school staff. What can make it even more frustrating is when teachers, principals and other school staff are accused of such actions, they are rarely dealt with in a manner to which we would expect children to be disciplined for bullying and lying. Many times, the person is dealt with through a panel of other school employees, teachers, principals, school districts etc. All of whom have an interest in not accepting liability for the events which transpired. This allows such behavior to be continued. We do not accept bullying by students and have been working on strategies to reduce incidents of bullying and violence in our schools by children and youth. We should be looking at the issues of school staff being the bullies and also school staff whom are the victims of bullying. Do you need help or advise dealing with a school employee or administrator who is bullying your child? Email james@youthandviolence.com