What does the “A” in KAS mean? For that matter, what does KAS mean? And what does any of this have to do with Bullying? There are a number of reasons bullying exists and two of them are related to the “A” in KAS.

1). Bullying continues because no one believes it's their job to stop it. Teachers see bullying as a disruption of the academic process. If teachers stop the disruption and get to the academic learning – then we've done our job. Our attitude is that dealing with bullying is not our job, and even if it was, it's not something that we can change.

2). Bullying is reinforced by models in society. Some talk show hosts, politicians, corporations, and leaders are in “attack” mode and seem to get what they want by attacking others. (Logic and persuasion are viewed as either a long lost art or for wimps.) No one speaks up against these societal bullies and they seem to “get away with it”. Is it surprising that students don't confront peers when they see bullying? Or that some students bully to get what they want?

Both of these are related to the “A” in KAS. In Bloom's taxonomy of learning objectives, the “A” stands for attitude – Knowledge, Attitudes, and Skills. It is our job, as teachers, to work with parents to help shape the attitudes of our students.

Bullying is about attitude. We need to examine our attitudes and beliefs if we are to make any difference in student attitudes and change the bullying epidemic.

Here are a few common bullying myths to examine.

Myth: There's not that much bullying at our school.
Fact: Bullying occurs at times and places teachers are not aware. A recent study indicates that 28% of high school students are victimized by bullies. (Teachers predicted less than 10%.) 81% of students experience sexual harassment during their school years.

Myth: Bullying is a normal part of growing up.
Fact: Bullying has become a problem at all stages of the lifespan—not just one age of growing up. I regularly conduct workshops for employers about “the respectful workplace” – it seems many adults have not “outgrown” bullying.

Myth: It is impossible to stop bullying.
Fact: Research indicates that schools with positive adult leadership, positive student leadership, and healthy relationships have less bullying.

Myth: Bullying prevention and intervention are complicated and expensive.
Fact: Stopping bullying is about developing healthy social relationships, and once the foundation is set in a school – it's free.