Parents are expressing their outrage after Brighton Academy shared a blog post that appears to blame bullied children for their own victimization. Bullying is a significant issue among school-aged kids, and many parents and educators are working hard to combat it. However, a private school in the UK has come under fire for promoting a post that suggests victims share some responsibility for the bullying they experience.
Recently, Brighton Academy published an essay on their resource blog by counselor and resilience coach, Sarah Thompson. In her piece, Thompson argues that while bullies have their own struggles, no one is entirely innocent—even the victims. She emphasizes the need for children who are bullied to “take ownership” of their role in the situation, no matter how minor it may be.
Thompson writes, “If your child is being bullied, consider whether they might be part of the issue—perhaps even just 5%. Are they overly negative, self-centered, or exhibiting weak body language? Are they too eager for approval or prone to complaining?” This perspective implies that if a child has any flaws or negative traits, they may be somehow responsible for attracting bullying.
This line of thinking raises serious questions, particularly when it comes to children who are bullied for reasons beyond their control, such as being overweight, having a speech impediment, or living with a disability. In those cases, Thompson suggests that kids should learn to stand up for themselves and develop resilience, despite the fact that bullying is not their fault. Her advice ultimately boils down to advising kids to “own their part” and stop acting like victims.
Understandably, this post sparked a wave of backlash from parents, many of whom flooded the school’s social media with complaints, accusing both Thompson and the school of victim-blaming. One mother even pointedly asked, “Should I tell my son with autism that he has to take responsibility for being bullied?”
In response to the uproar, Headmaster James Edwards took to Facebook to clarify the situation. He announced the cancellation of a scheduled talk by Thompson and issued an “unreserved apology” to those upset by the post. Edwards emphasized that the school remains committed to proactively addressing bullying, stating that the post was intended to be just one of many resources available to help students and parents navigate issues regarding bullying and respectful relationships.
While the school may not officially endorse Thompson’s views, her message is concerning and could be harmful to vulnerable children. Kids who experience bullying often feel insecure and broken down. It’s crucial to remember that regardless of a bully’s own issues, their behavior is unacceptable. Teaching victims to shoulder blame for their own victimization only perpetuates a cycle of abuse and makes it more difficult for them to heal.
Children can only endure so much before they start feeling as though the bullying is their fault. While qualities like resilience and self-belief are important, it is vital to focus on holding bullies accountable rather than placing blame on their victims.
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In summary, Brighton Academy’s recent blog post has ignited a significant controversy over the responsibility of bullied children. While it’s important to foster resilience, blaming victims only serves to excuse the unacceptable behavior of bullies. Schools should prioritize creating a safe environment and hold bullies accountable for their actions.