General Discussion

I never said there shouldn't be consequences for the kids. I said that thirteen-year-olds are not at the point of being irredeemable sociopaths, and that thirteen-year-olds and their families should not receive death threats. I have no interest in "going on a ride" with you. I don't see you as an enemy, and I don't see this conversation as a battle. I will be glad to have a mutually respectful conversation where we exchange our perspectives with each other. I understand that this is an extremely upsetting topic.

I will tell you a little about my background or what informs my opinion. I got a little taste of every form of abuse as a child from the adults in my life, as well as many of the kids. I know exactly how savagely painful it can be to be on the receiving end of this kind of behavior. I also know that thirteen-year-olds do not have a fully developed capacity for moral reasoning or empathy, and that kids often act out as bullies when they are victims of abuse.

I wouldn't define myself as a bully, but there were definitely times that I said cruel things, and even behaved violently (I was home-schooled until the eighth grade, so this was mostly with siblings and cousins, it was no less difficult for those who had to endure it). I did grow up to regret and account for those actions where I could, but it certainly wasn't because of the older people in my life who bullied me in return. It was because of the people who demonstrated the traits that would prevent bullying, such as empathy, a commitment to justice, and respect for others.