Wasn't sure what category this would go under but I wondered if ................

I think it's a great and much needed idea. Why is it those of us out side the system can see what needs to be done but the powers that be (the government and school leaders) can't?

I agree fully on this one. I too was bullied in school and when the teachers did see it, nothing was done. I think starting children off early (in their formidable years) to love one another and have respect and compassion is a great idea. How many kindergardeners do you know that have hate or are racist, etc? Yeah, not many, if any. So, to teach a child early that its better to be nice than to be mean is wonderful. Now, I think school boards may not push us away as they have implemented a zero tolerance policy in most schools now, so something like that would be a welcome idea I think.

YUP that would be a good idea but also the parnets need to show and practice such things at home to so that the kids start learning early. I had som ebulling when I was in school but didnt last long when I called them on it or knocked them out!

You know, my dear best friend got bullied at school because he is gay, and there was nothing that we could do about it because it would often be him against a large group of nasty kids. He never really went to any teachers about it as he felt so ashamed, but in general, I think he should have as we had a wonderful group of teachers at our school and I think they would have tried to help him as much as possible. I think Ellen's idea is brilliant. I just cannot believe that in this day and age we are still dealing with sexism, racism, homophobia, etc.

I think that things like this need to be taught in school so that bullying doesn't happen. I hope that schools can start implementing the idea, but I'm sure it'd take a lot of hard work to get school districts to agree.

i didnt see it but saw something on the early show about a 9 yr. boy killing himself over being bullied. its wrong for whatever reason. its so sad and something really needs to be done about it as its happening more and more now that people are not able to or refuse to correct their kids and teach them to respect other human beings.

I think it is a wonderful idea, here in our schools we have a morals and ethics class that kids from elementary school, I am not sure if it stops bullying though

I think it would be a good idea. I think the issue should be brought up at least briefly all through Elementary school, and it should definitely be a mandatory study subject in 6th grade when kids enter Junior High. Junior High students can be really cruel. They are starting to become individuals and are able to have a bit more freedom at that age, and they are all trying to fit in, and to some that means picking on other kids. It is a difficult time. My kids were never bullied until they got to Junior High. My son started Junior high this year and the bullying got so bad I had to call the school. It only got physical once, but he was being verbally abused by this one kid from day one, and who ever that kid could drag in to assist him. Kid's need to realize how painful that is to other kids.

I really like her idea. I was bullied a lot myself growing up. I do think schools should start teaching kids that. BUT...I also think it's not the school's responsibility either. Parents should have a big influence or whatever with teaching kids to be more compassionate. Both 'factions' need to be in on this from both ends.

Ellen's idea is great. I think it would be nice to teach tolerence to children versus havng them thrown intp a diverse world without the tools and understanding they need to be happy. No matter how sheltered children are..they will sooner or later be exposed to different people and lifestyles. This doesn't have to be a bad thing if they are taught the things they need to know. I do however think that parents may rebel in Ellen's idea. I think that alot parents want to teach their children in a certain way and at the time..doesn't think they are wrong in doing so. They don't realize the need until it's one of theirs that suffer. It's sad and children can be very cruel. I do wish there was something to help get the lesson across.Compassion,respect,tolerence. The world would be a better place.

Celtic- I didn't see Ellen's show but there was just a segement tonight on our local news WCCO-4 here in Minnesota about a meeting today on the state capital about providing education about differences and acceptance amongst the gay community. We've now seen stiffer rules put in place for such bullying, and bullying extended to now include harrassment of this nature in it. I will have to go look up Ellen's show to view this mother's story. As a teacher I can say that I think it depends upon the part of the country you are in. When in Arizona teaching I was fought constantly by parents in regards to this this type of teaching. They believed it should be handled at home. Even administration thought that. I had a person call a girl a "K--" (the derogatory term used by the Nazi's during WWII for Jewish persons) and the administration asked what was so offensive!! Here in Minnesota there seems to be more things being done proactively to encourage diversity, etc. We have a private school downtown that is devoted to the teachings of Gandhi that works quite a bit with this idea. It's a wonderful school. Currently I'm a stay at home mom, and I know that my own children are growing up to learn to respect everyone regardless of their gender, faith, preferences, etc. They have two "Grandmas" in one household so they are exposed to this. Namaste-Anora

Wasn't sure what category? I"m with Ellen on this one, I'm not for bullying and I do wish that something could be done about it. I didn't get a chance to see the show but I do know that a stop need to be put to this kind of trauma.........

I can sympathize with being bullied in school as well. It was tough and it started in third grade and continued up until my junior year in high school. In senior year everyone seems to grow up rather quickly and mature, go figure. I think that this class that Ellen suggested is a wonderful idea that the school districts should consider. And as if this idea was even hard to come up with! Here is the funny thing, school districts are always complaining that parents ask for so much to be done about things at school but do not give their opinions or ideas on what should be done, but the minute that somebody suggests something, it costs too much or it has unrealistic expectations. Unbelievable! When I go to American Idol this year, if I make it, then I will use any popularity gained from the show to aid this cause. Its a wonderful idea on Ellen's behalf.