The importance of curbing bullying

By Jim Armbrust, Las Vegas

Thursday, May 15, 2014 | 2:03 a.m.

Though it is a little late for some of us, bullying is starting to gain more attention.

I am 70 years old now, and I still remember when I was afraid to walk to school.

I was a victim of bullying from the time I was in grade school until I graduated from high school, and, at times, even in the military, but by that time I learned to fight back.

Bullies don’t like being faced down by their victims and will usually stop once they realize that there will be consequences.

However, this is dangerous ground that would best be avoided if children knew they could talk safely to someone in authority in spite of being warned by their antagonizers that they will pay dearly if they “snitch.”

As a result of being bullied for so long, I tried to compensate by volunteering to go to Vietnam even though I had already fulfilled my military obligation in peace time, only to prove to myself that I wasn’t a coward.

I have been married several times, and I find myself becoming angry when there is nothing to be angry about.

I still feel that I was robbed of my youth. My parents said, “Oh, just ignore them.” Not so easy.

Parents should pay attention to their children when they complain about being mistreated by other children, adults or even teachers.

The consequences of ignoring the warning signs can be devastating.

Nothing will stop bullying, but it can be curbed.