Bullying.

It happens all the time.

It often begins in elementary school.

A student does not like the way you dress, the color of your skin, your hairstyle, the way you walk, the way you talk.

It can start with one student, then other students may chime in.

It can continue into middle school, high school, maybe even college or the workforce.

Sometimes a bully does not outgrow their characteristics.
Sources say bullying or a fight may have led to the fatal school shooting at Butler High School on Monday.

Butler High School is not far away from Stanly County.

We have heard so many times of school shootings that sometimes we do not hear about them on the national news.

But our region made the national news this week, and not in a good way.

Some people say armed resource officers, metal detectors or clear backpacks could have stopped the killing.

But shouldn’t we also look at bullying? Is there not a way to teach children that bullying is not the answer?

It used to be if you were bullied you either settled in it with your fists on the playground, or you simply ignored it and hoped it went away.

Melanie Trump, our first lady, has even made bullying a component of her Be Best platform.

“It remains our generation’s moral imperative to take responsibility and help our children manage the many issues they are facing today, including encouraging positive social, emotional, and physical habits,” she said.

School violence — either in the form of long, thought out planning or short bursts of bullying or intimidation — needs to end.

But adults have to set an a positive example. Adults have to stop the constant bickering and finger-pointing over little things. We must look at the bigger picture and examine how our actions are copied by the little ones who follow behind.

Adults are seen as role models and examples of how to behave and treat each other for our children. We all need to remember our children are always watching.