October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To kick the month off, Lamar Tyler of BMWK and Tyler New Media, released their latest music video, titled Mike Bully (Stand Up for Our Future). The video has a message that is sure to touch many lives, as bullying seams to be increasing nationally. Or, it least more people are becoming aware and acknowledging it.
Statistics are showing that at least 1 in 5 high school students have experienced bullying and more than 1 in 4 middle and high school students have experienced it. The studies also lead to hundreds of thousands of students staying home each day to avoid being bullied.
During this time period there has also been an increase in families choosing homeschooling for their children. Is this coincidence? Or is it directly related? Some believe more homeschoolers and bullying are directly related.
I recently read an article, in Christian News Wire (CNW), that states the dramatic increase in homeschooling is a direct result of the bullying crisis. The article also goes on to say there will be unprecedented homeschooling growth in the coming years because of this. The following is a quote from one mother interviewed for the article:
“I can not have peace of mind knowing that my children would be subjected to bullying in our current school systems like I hear in the news and from other parents that I know who have children in public and private schools. I just can not stomach seeing my precious child under that type of torture. That is horrifying to me. And on top of all that pressure, trying to learn at the same time…no, I can not accept that, not for my kids,” Melanie said recently, a homeschool mother of two who will appear on Homeschool Television.”
The article doesn’t say what percent of families feel the same as the mother quoted in the article. And I am not sure how many parents were interviewed, or the demographics of those interviewed. Were black families included in these interviews? News One states more black families are homeschooling. One reason is school violence, which may be related to bullying.
Our choice to homeschool
Our family has been homeschooling for the past four years. The last two of which everyone in our family has participated in some form or fashion, including me. Bullying was not a concern when we made our choice. I would even say I was completely unaware of how much it happens, and the serious consequences that result.
School violence was no concern either. Deeply instilling our family values was. However, being directly involved and experiencing first-hand our children’s process of learning and growing was. And tailoring their education based on their interests, unique abilities, and gifts was important.
Why many families choose homeschooling
The CNW article presents some statistical information that lines up more with our reasons for homeschooling versus bullying or violence. According to the US Department of Education almost half of parents chose homeschooling in search of a better education, and well over a third for religious reasons.
Based on some past homeschooling posts on this site, there was a surprising number of families who have experience with, and views on homeschooling. How about you, are you a homeschooling family, or know homeschooling families in your family and circle of influence?
Have your children been affected by bullying?
Whether bullying is the driving factor in a family’s choice to homeschool or not, we have to become more aware that bullying is a problem. I encourage you to discuss bullying with your children, watch the Mike Bully video, and put yourself in position to prevent your child from the negative effects a bullying experience can have.
BMWK: How much of an impact do you think bullying is having on families choosing to homeschool today? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.