Benjamin Soskis

In the following viewpoint, Benjamin Soskis refutes the claim that bullying is a serious problem facing today’s youth. He asserts that studies reporting a high incidence of bullying among youths are flawed because they define bullying too broadly. He warns that aggressive antibullying efforts may vilify normal adolescent behavior and prevent children from learning how to cope with social injuries that are simply a part of growing up. Soskis is a reporter for the New Republic, a periodical that examines political and social issues.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What types of adolescent behavior does Soskis consider normal"
2. In the author’s opinion, what are the potential harms of zero-tolerance antibullying programs"
3. What does Soskis suggest to reduce bullying in schools"

Pity the poor bully. For decades he flourished...