Tragedy fills our airwaves once again - senseless shootings, death at the hands of youngsters who feel like misfits.

By now most of us have heard the reports and read the profiles. Many of the shooters complained of being bullied. They are the extreme result of bullying, but it exists on other, quieter levels as well.

In junior high and high school, there are many students, girls as well as boys, who hate going to school because of the name calling and intimidation. The hostile environment may begin at the bus pick-up, go through lunch, and leave with them at the end of the day.

Bullying should not be tolerated in any setting and students should have ways to report it without making the problem worse for themselves. Schools should be held accountable before a tragedy occurs.

Bullies emerge early in life. Your child's first encounter may be in day care or pre-school. It can be subtle or blatant, and if not stopped, the bullying and intimidation will continue. Talk to your child's adult supervisor at the earliest signs that bullying is taking place.

If your child is accused of being the bully, take it seriously and seek help before it escalates.

In Stick-Up for Yourself Every Kid's Guide to Personal Power and Positive Self-Esteem, kids are taught practical, self-affirming ways to become more secure and confident. I highly recommend the book, not only for your own library, but as a gift to your child's teacher and the school's administrator. The goal is to prevent children from becoming bullies, as well as protecting others from them if they do.

Prepare your children while they are young to cope with the bullies they will meet at some time in their life.

Sincerely, The Schoolmarm.