4. Culture of Cruelty

Recent studies in the United States show that 80 percent of boys says they tease, harass and sometimes threaten other students. In the program, Brandon, a high school student, observes, If you can throw balls at another kid and if you can make him feel bad about himself, then hes almost out of the game, so to speak, thats one less person you have to worry about being ahead of you. Thats one less person you have to worry about getting a better job than you, getting into the school you want to go to. And we learn that an early age, and it really doesnt ever stop. Nick, another student, comments that bullying is a way of gaining respect.

? Should parents accept bullying as just a natural part of growing up? Why or why not?