SPECIAL REPORT


No Bullies Allowed Making the school bus a bully-free zone requires training, partnerships


Written by Debbie Curtis B


ullying prevention is becoming more of a nationwide school district priority. According to the McGovern Medical School in Houston, bullying is defined as the “unwanted, aggressive


behavior that presents in an engagement with another individual or individuals that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.” Bullying happens everywhere, and not just to children. It occurs in the workplace, schools, friend’s groups, online, and of course, on the school bus. It affects a student’s health, ability to learn and quality of life. Some of us recall the chant, “Sticks and stones can break


my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That ol’ chestnut is absolutely wrong. There are bruises that can’t be seen. Bullying can affect a child well into adulthood, and even


20 School Transportation News • OCTOBER 2022


cause psychological damage that can lead to problems with self-esteem, trusting others and anger issues. Ken Martinez, director of transportation in Salt Lake


City, Utah, said he believes that bullying is definitely increasing. “Back when I started, in 1990, if there was an issue on the bus, you could pull over and Johnny could walk home,” said Martinez. “Now, if a driver did that, you’d end up in a lawsuit. The kids know that and they know that their parents have their backs. Many of them have a no fear attitude that comes from a sense of entitlement.”


Martinez and his staff breathed a sigh of relief on the


final day of school last year. There had been a spe- cial-needs run with one student who would repeatedly


PHOTO COURTESY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE


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