Five Heroic Boys Succeed At Reverse-Bullying!

We've all heard a lot about bullies. I was bullied mercilessly as a small kid when I was in elementary school. I'll bet you were too. For me the bullying was emotional and occasionally physical terrorism that played out in the small world of the playground and halls of my elementary school. I was one of those kids who, on some days, played sick to avoid the big kids and their taunting. That was long before anti-bullying programs. But that's not what this post is about.

. . . maybe it's not enough to
just stop bad behavior . . .

There is certainly a need for anti-bullying programs, but maybe it's not enough to just stop bad behavior. Perhaps we should be creating something new and positive to replace it! For the moment, let's call that new, non-bullying behavior reverse-bullying. I'll have some other names for this new behavior at the end. Reverse-bullying is what I found in this story about a small pack of really awesome fifth grade boys. With the help of some inspired adults, these boys intentionally went way beyond anti-bullying and created something totally different and very heart-warming.

In the story from KARE 11 TV, you'll read about how the boys created an initiative that's pro-vulnerable kids. They are a boy pack, yet they are almost unique in that they chose not to bully, but to intentionally protect, support, and include a vulnerable kid who'd otherwise be an easy bullying target. The video below shows them in action. If you look closely, you'll see some of the many gifts their new pal, James, is getting, and how all the young guys are feeling better about themselves as a result.

If this clip doesn't show up use this link.

. . . let's give this kind of boy behavior a name,
and actually teach it . . .!

While I'm really proud of these awesome young guys, it's actually a sad statement about the world when their story makes the news. It's sad because something as wonderful as their acts of love, generosity, and inclusion are so unusual. I say, let's give this kind of boy behavior a name like sponsorship, or incorporation, or pro-friendship, and actually teach it in school! Let's not just be against bullying, but take a stand for behaviors that make a positive difference in kids' lives. Let's start teaching young guys about the benefits of caring for others, standing up for the vulnerable, how to break out of clicks and be inclusive, and how to align with other young guys to make a difference in their school. What kind of adult men will that training eventually create?

What kind of adult men will that training eventually create?

We can only hope these guys and the adults around them are setting a new bar for boys (and girls) in schools everywhere. Meanwhile, kudos, gratitude, and honor to the five young men, Jake, Jack, Gus, Tyler, Landon, and their pal, James, who are so inspirational and give us such a powerful lesson.

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