Last week, I talked a little about the harm bullying inflicts on others. Just this week, WYMT broadcasted a story about how a Madison County High School student attacked another in the school cafeteria. Unfortunately the story doesn’t end there. This tragic act of violence was videoed by another student actually posted on You Tube.

When did our children become so desensitized that they essentially want to advertise—for literally the whole world to see—their acts of hate and violence? I’ve heard so many say, “If I’d done that when I was a kid, my parents would have….”

Something must be done to change attitudes. Here are a few suggestions for you to keep in mind, if you are aware of bullying:

Teach your child that it’s okay to be different by promoting acceptance at home. Recognize your own personal biases and don’t pass them on to your kids. Encourage confidence in your child. It’s proven that bullies don’t pick on kids who stand up for themselves. If you think your child is participating in bullying activities, talk to him/her. And last, but certainly not least, if you know that your child has bullied another child, then for goodness sake, discipline him/her.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law….Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other,” (Galatians 5:22-26). No child should live in fear as a result of another’s acts of persecution. Turn on the Lite for bullies, so that they can see themselves for what they really are.