Mistacres Blog

This was a headline in USA Today (May 3, 2010), as if life isn’t difficult enough for students today. Studies now prove that heavey kids are more apt to be picked on thean peers that are of normal weight. Heck, I don’t need studies to prove that to me. That was a way of life; being picked on, taunted, used and bullied for I was one of those one-third kids that weight too much.

This study was conducted by researches at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. They evaluated 821 incidents of bullying on children 8 to 11. They found that “obese children were more likely to be bullied than to be bullied than normal-weight peers, regardless of gender, race, socioeconomic status, school demographic profile, social skills or academic achievement.” (Pediatrics) According to Julie Lumeng, lead author of the study, “They are viewed as lazy ad lacking in self-control, but we know the reason for obesity are so much more complex.

There are other studies showing that obese children are more apt to be depressed, anxious and lonely. Is it any wonder that they don’t want to go to school? Look what lies in wait for them! Kids can be very mean to eachother. Schools should be focusing on educating but are forced to deal with many more issues. And try as they may, they can’t keep up with the academic demands and financial restraints. Now they must try to also create safe, healthy and happy environments for learning.

Online learning allows these students to learn without fear of harrassment or embarassment. They can focus their attention to what they should be focused on; learning. Here they are accepted for who and what they are without judgement. They receive educational programs that are designed specifically for them. Here they can feel successful and proud. I wish it had been here for me.