Karen Klein, a 68 year old grandmother, was bullied by a group of New York middle school children, during her shift as school bus monitor.
The video of the kids calling Klein disparaging names went viral on YouTube.
While it might be surprising to hear, young children can be the victim of bullying. Allan L. Beane, PhD, author of the book, The Bully Free Classroom, says bullying behavior can start as early as age three. Dictionary.com defines bully as, “a blustering, quarrelsome, overbearing person who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people.” Young children can be bullies, as well as the victim of bullies. Both “roles” should be carefully monitored by parents, school staff, and other caretakers. Guiding children to treat one another with respect, and to expect respect themselves, encourages the basic principles of a humane society.