Dear Bosk
I'm glad that have have been able to deal with bullying so effectively in your school. However, the fact remains that the majority of schools deal with bullying in either an ad hoc manner or with a determined adherence to their bullying policy whilst failing to protect the bullied child. Bullying certainly varies from school to school by as much as four or five times but is part of the system.

I witnessed my own son being chased around the school yard by two children with a lump of wood with nails in it. I had a toddler by the hand and a baby on the hip and was unable to do anything but call out whilst attemmpting to give chase. On this occasion, my son was literally saved by the bell. When I reported this incident to the teacher on duty she claimed that she had thought my son was in a game of chasey. She promised to 'deal with' the incident and, as a parent I was given no further satisfaction than that. I later found out through a friend in the staff room that the bullies had been asked to fill in a form about the incident, they were given no reprimand and that their parents had not even been informed. It was a long way from being the first incident between these two bullies and my son.

There are many benefits of home education but the safety of my children certainly ranks very highly for me. The school system was unable to guarantee them even the semblance of safety.

Thank you to all posters

I have found this discussion to be fascinating reading. I knew that bullying was a problem, but I had no idea that the problem was so great. I also did not realise that home schooling has become so common as a result of overt bullying.

I now have a great referral point for my friend, whose child has autism and ADHD. Her child regularly gets suspended from school because of his behaviours. I get the impression that there may be bullying from teachers, rather than peers. He has had 75 days off school this year! His mother said that when he is home and she teaches him whilst he is suspended, that he does quite well. She has three other children under nine years and has no support from her ex-husband.

Any input on the above scenario would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks
Happy New Year to All!
Kay

Dear Bosk,
Alas, methinks the Antiquated Jug to Mug Education must be in your school, for I have home educated for ten years and never heard of it. As for the Lack of Diversity of Views, I wonder how many school educated children are aware of this forum, I know for a fact that a huge number of home educated children are activly involved.

The forthright rhetoric displayed in your articles are, I believe narrow and blinkered, but thats what schools teach best is'nt it?
"Many have made trade of delusions and false miricles, deceiving the stupid multitude" LDV

Lastly, your point about kicking the school bullies out - could'nt agree more! A short spell in the home educating community would cure them of all their ills I'm sure

Dear Tony
referring to your wifes education in order to demonstrate Bosks 'simplistic' solutions, reminds me of something I faced at Bible College. There were many students who were doing 'higher degrees' and learning all about 'Form Criticism' and all manner of ways where people sought to show how the Scriptures are not what they say they are. (Gods Word). Then, I went out as a missionary into Tribal Borneo. We had a saying. "All the theological degrees in the world don't mean squat if u cannot (in Christ) cast out a demon"

Putting this back into the forum context. Bosk has shown an approach which is backed up by his own personal experience, and is workable.
Why even bother speaking about someone elses education in the light of this ? Where it all counts, is where the rubber meets the road, in the school etc.

Please don't see this as any kind of attack or put down, I just don't think you gave Bosk adequate credit for his contribution.

Possibly the anger you perceive in Bosks post, is in fact anger at the 'system' which allows Bullying to go unchallenged, and it is anger on behalf of the kids who become victims, not so much at those here who have a different view ?

Hi Kay,

A good place for your friend to start is by finding her local home ed network. In Victoria it is the Home education Network and you can access the site at the following link http://www.home-ed.vic.edu.au/ There are many families with Autistic and ADD children who home educate (mine included) and it can have some really astounding effects. Simply having a solid home base for the children, allowing a routine and continuity of support and expectations makes all the difference in my experience.

I have an autistic sister, nephew, niece, and child. I have seen first hand the difference home education came make for children with a different way of thinking; it's all positive! There are some great articles in the HEN mag - 'Otherways' to do with Autism and ADD and I would really recommend suggesting them to your friend even if she is interstate. There are also home-ed contacts on the site and many, including myself who would be happy to email or chat.

Take care

Gen

This is just for a bit of a laugh....

Did anyone see the South Park episode where the WallMart came along took over/destroyed all the small businesses in town ? Then, Stan and Kartman and the others tried to 'kill' the 'evil Wallmart' by finding its economic jugular vein and attacking it. Anyway.. they succeeded in 'killing' the Wallmart and all the strip shops began to prosper again.. specially hardware shops.. in fact.. the main one prospered so MUCH it had to expand to provide space for all the former Wall Mart customers.. and this happened again.. and again.. until finally it grew into.....
A NEW WALLMART :)

Fine as the Home Ed network is, and will continue to be I'm sure. It is starting to get a life of its own, and will in due course I guess have a bigger and bigger network beurocracy...and become another..EDUmart ? :) I wonder who will be the H.E.N. Minister for Curriculum ?