“Don’t Start It, But End It”: LC’s Take on Dealing With Bullies
Ask ten folks in Lawrence County how to deal with a bully, and you’ll get ten different answers—some rooted in kindness, some in grit, and some in good old-fashioned Southern humor.
Standing Tall with Words
Several parents emphasized teaching confidence and self-respect. Laura Terry Powell said she tells her daughter to remember, “I am worthy of kindness and respect.” Destinee Nolen advised staying calm, setting boundaries, and leaning on a trusted teacher, parent, or friend if needed. Others, like Breannah Kyle, encouraged kids to pray for bullies and show kindness in return: “Smile and tell them to have a blessed day.”
When Words Don’t Work
Others leaned toward action. Many echoed the sentiment of “don’t start a fight, but end it.” Denise Peebles Warren recalled when her smaller child “beat down the big bad bully” and proved size doesn’t always win. Angie Davis Lipsey shared how standing up in 4th grade ended the problem for her son. Mark Wakefield put it plainly: “I didn’t have to win the fight. All I had to do was inflict some pain. Bullies don’t like pain.”
Humor, Sarcasm, and Southern Wit
In true LC fashion, plenty of folks responded with humor. JohnCleo Whitworth shouted “Pocket Sand!” while Joe Reeves joked about inviting a bully for a sleepover. Others, like Jerry Don Brown, said simply: “Kill them with kindness or a 2x4, either way!” And of course, there were more tongue-in-cheek replies like “Nut shot” (Marty Kelso) or “Pray they stump their toe” (Betty Sanderson).
The Bigger Picture
Some commenters pointed out the serious side, reminding us that bullying has real consequences. Cathy Montgomery urged parents to be vigilant: “Too many children commit suicide because of being bullied… Teach your child to notice if this is happening and tell someone.” Shane Aker also noted that bullying doesn’t end with childhood: “In all stages of life, we experience this behavior even out of adults, especially ones in power or authority.”
A County Divided—but United in Spirit
From prayer to pop, kindness to confrontation, Lawrence County showed there’s no single “right” answer. Whether folks lean toward compassion, standing their ground, or making light of the situation, one message came through clear: no one here believes a bully should go unchecked.
