There is little that makes a child more vulnerable to bullying than not being in a position to fight back, while being visibly different. We have actually written into my son's IEP that he is to be taught how to deal with the inappropriate behavior of others, after we had several incidents- one major enough to actually be observed by an adult who thankfully intervened.

When we developed that IEP, his new school staff actually protested, saying that their kids "don't do that." I was stunned. What planet were these people on? Not only had we just had the incident just mentioned, but I knew of several others from talking with my child and observing incidents both in and out of school- those more insidious and subtle incidents of being ignored, excluded, and given looks that clearly communicate disdain and distaste. I had also intervened myself on several occasions in public areas such as parks and playgrounds, where children would deliberately bait and tease him, while encouraging their playmates to treat him in the same fashion.

When we teach our children to respect themselves and each other, to enjoy the gifts and appreciate the challenges they have as well as the gifts and challenges of others, we have a chance to make bullying obsolete.