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Bullying The Bully: Why Zero-Tolerance Policies Get A Failing Grade, H Theixos, Kristin Borgwald

H Theixos

Recent studies show that the current punitive approach to bullying, in the form of zero-tolerance policies, is ineffective in reducing bullying and school violence. Despite this significant finding, anti-bullying legislation is increasing. The authors argue that these policies are not only ineffective, but that they are also unjust and harmful, and they hypothesize that the social influence of zero-tolerance policies is stigmatizing. Their conclusion suggests an alternative approach to bullying behavior, that addresses both victims and bullies.