Name-calling, fighting, gossiping about others and other forms of bullying such as cyber-bullying can make school a house of horrors for children who are the victims of social humiliation by other students. Victims of bullying are at a high risk of developing anxiety, depression, low self-worth, and of being unable to reach their academic and social potential. Bullying and violence against students can be physical such as kicking, shoving, hitting, inappropriate touching, verbal, such as taunting, teasing, spreading rumors, or social, with kids being shunned, isolated and harassed through phone calls, emails, or online. Whatever form it takes bullying is devastating to the victim. For decades schools have carried out anti-bullying and violence campaign with mixed results. The latest in this fight is the creation of  programs that teach core values to kids: "empathy, respect, responsibility and integrity."  Other programs include teaching problem-solving and anger management. The following New York Times article examines some of the nation-wide programs and looks at the success rate of these polices.

In Middle Schools, Empathy Becomes a Weapon Against Bullying ...