A Pennsylvania boy is currently in a medically induced coma after a schoolyard fight with classmates who he and his family claims were bullying him.
Four weeks ago, sixth-grader Bailey O'Neil, an honors student was involved in a fight at the Darby Township School in PA. He was struck several times in the face by another student; the blow fractured his nose and he fell to the ground.
Bailey’s parents brought their son to the A.I. DuPont hospital in Wilmington, Del., where he was treated for a concussion and released.
When they returned home, his father noticed changes in Bailey that weren’t his normal behavior.
He was sleeping. He was moody. He wasn't himself. He was angry a little bit. He wasn't really eating. A few days later, Bailey started having violent seizures and needed to be hospitalized again. The seizures were so bad that doctors at A.I. DuPont were forced to put Bailey in a medically induced coma.
Southeast Delco School District Superintendent Stephen Butz told the media that the school has turned the investigation over to local police and is cooperating fully with their efforts. He added: "We take bullying seriously." We are very concerned about the medical condition of the student and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and students."
According to Bailey's father, the boy who struck his son was suspended for two days following the incident, but police have not filed any criminal charges in the case.
Was this an act of bullying or was it a one time school yard fight? No matter what precipitated the fight, no child should ever be hurt and in a coma.
It is up to parents and schools to educate young people about physical fighting, the reasons not to physically fight someone and why bullying is wrong. All acts of violence are wrong and the underlying cause of violent behaviors in young people must be investigated. Once found the behaviors must be treated. If those behaviors are not treated, bullying and school violence will continue.
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