Dear Editor,

Bullying in Sabetha schools is real — and more prevalent than many realize. If your child has bullied another student, especially one with special needs, this can be painful to hear. No parent wants to believe their child is capable of harming others. But acknowledging the problem is the first step toward fixing it.

Bullying behavior does not mean your child is a bad person. It does mean they need guidance, accountability and clear boundaries. When bullying is ignored, minimized, or excused as “kids being kids,” it sends the message that harm doesn’t matter. It does. What is happening behind our school doors is far more serious. Children are being hurt by their peers, and staff are working tirelessly to manage a growing problem with limited success.

Children learn empathy, respect, and responsibility at home. No matter how hard schools try, they cannot undo what is taught — or tolerated — elsewhere. Parents can make a real difference by talking openly with their children, listening without immediately defending them, and setting clear expectations.

Many students already face daily challenges others do not see or understand. Bullying is not limited to certain families or social groups. Its impact can deepen isolation, fear, and low self-worth, with effects lasting far beyond the school years.

Parents play a powerful role in stopping bullying by listening fully, separating behavior from identity, and being specific about what is unacceptable — such as teasing, exclusion, name-calling, or online harassment. Teaching empathy intentionally, especially toward students with special needs, helps children understand the real impact of their actions.

Clear, consistent consequences help children learn that actions have real effects. Monitoring online behavior, encouraging healthy ways to manage emotions, and modeling respect at home are equally important. Working with schools — rather than against them — leads to better outcomes for everyone.

With honesty, support, and clear consequences, bullying behavior CAN change — and your child can learn to be someone who lifts others up instead of tearing them down. This is true leadership and that is what Sabetha Schools are about. Help us keep our community someplace where people want to come to work and raise their children. Help our kids to feel like part of a safe community. Help YOUR child to grow up to be someone with outstanding character and leadership skills for the next generation.

Andy Smith

Sabetha