I WAS a victim of bullying in school and in my experience, bullies always have a social network, either a larger classroom group or a gang of like-minded peers ("Get to the root of school bullying"; by Mr Matthew Ong Koon Lock; last Saturday).
Students targeted by bullies are almost always either non-conformists or those who lack social skills or self-confidence.
In fact, many bullies have more social awareness and better social skills than their victims, who are targeted for their perceived weakness.
My bullying ended only after my family brought Canada's laws to bear on my high school principal, who previously refused to act on the threats and assaults I suffered on a daily basis.
In fact, one of my bullies was found guilty of committing murder at age 16. I can only pray that teachers, principals and the police do not make the same mistake with today's generation of children and the inevitable bullies among them.
It is a sad fact that a minority of people, from a young age, find it appealing to assault others.
We can use only the law and legally meted out punishments to control such people, and set an example for other aggressors.
Eric J. Brooks
