Jan 15, 2008

Boy Scouts of America Takes Aim at Bullies

The new 2008 Boy Scouts of America handbook now discusses the topic of bullying. To reach the beginner rank of Tenderfoot, scouts must successfully demonstrate how to react to bullying. The handbook offers suggested and Scout approved responses to bullying. The subject of cyberbullying is addressed as well. You can read the entire article on the msnbc website. For more information about the Boy Scouts of America including how to join, go to their website.

4 comments:

  1. I find this ironic considering my son, who has ADHD and is Asian-American, experienced more bullying in his brief stint as a member of the Boy Scouts than at any other time in his life. I found they tend to teach intolerance of differences and that bullying is okay.

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  2. What a shame. I am so sorry to hear that. I hope you discussed your concerns with a scout leader before withdrawing your son.

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  3. "I found they tend to teach intolerance of differences and that bullying is okay."

    On the contrary. I just came back from Adult Wood Badge training and scouting is all about diversity, team building and adding value to each and every member. I myself am ADD. A disAbbility that just got diagnosed in me after almost 50 years. No wonder that I always was able to relay to ADD or ADHD Scouts.

    It is hard to form an opinion about scouting based on one bad experience. I hope you agree on that.

    Not one Scout Troop is the same in it's capabilities to deal with disAbilities. However training is available and volunteer Scout leaders are working hard to accommodate every one of the young men that walk in in a Scout Troop.

    As Scout leaders and Scouts, we live by the Scout Law and Scout Oath. Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind and Helping others at all times are just a few points that I took out of the Scout Law and Scout Oath that apply here.

    I am sorry to hear that it is even needed for BSA to discuss the topic of bullying. It has no place in Scouting or in the behavior of any young man or young mans leader that is wearing a uniform that stands for virtuous principles and behavior.

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  4. I do agree that one should not form an opinion about scouting based entirely upon one negative experience. My own son (who has ADHD and LD) joined the Boy Scouts and was treated wonderfully. He just decided that it wasn't for him. Bondingius raising makes some valid points. If your son is experiencing any type of problems in the BSA, I do hope you will discuss the matter with a scout leader. I am certain they would want to know about and address the issues.

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Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I love comments and feedback!