Anti-bullying authors write from the heart

With election season in full swing, it was a welcoming surprise to receive letters to the editor of a different caliber.

Letters from 10 of Gayle Talbot's fourth-grade students at Lakeview Elementary School in Moses Lake touch upon bullying and their views about how to best tackle the problem. They are found inside today's paper.

Talbot's students shared their thoughts on the topic for a persuasive writing assignment. She selected the best letters, typed them and e-mailed them to us. We are so glad she did. The students' letter provided youthful voices to the paper and a glimpse into their world.

We hope the letters spark some conversation between parents and kids, grandparents and grandchildren, and fellow students.

The students were honest and open about how bullying affects them, how they've dealt with the issue and their wish for a bully-free school. They also wrote about strategies they're being taught to conquer the problem.

Bullies and disrespectful behavior comes in all shapes and sizes.

By adulthood, we hope people have conquered disrespectful and belittling behavior before they start working in professional environments. Many have, but some have not. And some people don't even realize their behavior is dividing a classroom or a work setting.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Much is being written about the issue on a national scale.

We encourage you and your family to keep learning about this divisive and harmful behavior and the many forms it can take, including online cyber bullying.

- Editorial Board