Why schools have a such a tough time reigning in bullies

On one hand, bullying is a complex issue. It covers a wide degree of severity and frequency. While we maintain the definition is simple (refresh: anytime a child has been asked at least once to stop a specific behavior that makes another child uncomfortable and they do not, it is bullying- simple), the complexity comes in with protocol and consequences.

Parents and educators sometime disagree on types of procedures. Sometime parents disagree.  Typically the parents of bullies and the parents of victims disagree.

The school is in the middle. Therefore, procedures and protocols are typically watered down and not effective.

Parents and educators need to come together and agree the strongest protocol involves introspection and learning. Once that happens, it really is not very tough at all.