Podcast Summary: Dr. Laura Call of the Day – "How Mom Should Handle High School Bullies"
Release Date: April 20, 2025
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Platform: SiriusXM Triumph 111
Introduction
In the episode titled "How Mom Should Handle High School Bullies", Dr. Laura Schlessinger addresses a critical issue affecting many families today: bullying in high school settings. Ashley, a dedicated mother of two, reaches out seeking guidance on how to support her 15-year-old daughter who is experiencing difficulties with female friendships in her private religious high school. Dr. Laura provides no-nonsense advice grounded in ethics, accountability, and personal responsibility, staying true to her longstanding reputation for offering practical solutions to complex family dynamics.
Caller Introduction: Ashley’s Story
Ashley begins by expressing her gratitude for Dr. Laura's long-term advice, attributing much of her happy family life to the guidance received over the years. She describes herself as a mother of two children and a wife of 24 years, sharing that her daughter, a freshman at a private religious high school, is currently struggling with female friendships. Ashley emphasizes her commitment to not meddling excessively, allowing her daughter to navigate her social challenges independently.
Ashley [00:16]: "I attribute much of my happy life to your advice. I've been married 24 years and I have two hideous children. And I'm so thankful for all you've done for me."
Identifying the Problem
Dr. Laura delves into understanding the specifics of Ashley's daughter's situation. She inquires about the classroom dynamics, class size, and the nature of the friendships that are causing distress.
Dr. Laura Schlessinger [00:31]: "Help me with one thing. How big is the class? I don't know. Is she only in one class where they all march to different subjects or in each subject of that day is there a different class. Tell me what she's experiencing."
Ashley explains that her daughter is part of a group of 20 students within a larger freshman class of 60, evenly split between boys and girls. The crux of the issue lies in the female friends’ perception that Ashley's daughter is flirting with a male friend who is also the boyfriend of one of the girls in her group.
Ashley [02:21]: "What's unifying the girls against her is that one of the boys is a boyfriend of one of the girls and they believe that my daughter is flirting with the boy."
Dr. Laura’s Analysis and Advice
Dr. Laura swiftly identifies the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for decisive action.
Dr. Laura Schlessinger [03:56]: "Are you ready to go to war?"
Confirming her willingness to confront the issue head-on, Ashley affirms her readiness.
In response to the bullying occurring within a religious school environment, Dr. Laura advocates for legal intervention. She advises Ashley to:
- Engage Legal Counsel: Seek an attorney to address the bullying and potential discrimination officially.
- Confront the School Administration: Organize a meeting involving all affected parents, students, and school officials to discuss and resolve the issue collectively.
- Uphold Christian Values: Emphasize that the bullying behavior contradicts the Christian principles that the school professes to uphold.
Dr. Laura Schlessinger [04:28]: "You are now going to get an attorney and you're going to talk about the bullying and the discrimination because these idiot girls are upset about a boy."
She underscores the importance of addressing the problem at a group level to ensure that such behavior is not tolerated within the school's community.
Dr. Laura Schlessinger [05:13]: "This bullying is not how Christians behave and singling somebody out and go after them. And if the administration has not been doing anything, the teachers have not been doing anything, I now demand all the kids involved and all their parents and the administration get into a room and deal with it."
Implementing the Solution
Dr. Laura encourages Ashley to take immediate and assertive steps to resolve the bullying situation. She highlights the significance of unity among the parents and the necessity of holding the school accountable.
Dr. Laura Schlessinger [06:21]: "Good. Go for it, Mom. If you need any more help from me, you can tell."
Ashley aligns with Dr. Laura's advice, expressing confidence that her approach will effectively address the issue.
Ashley [06:39]: "Absolutely. Well, thank you very much. I appreciate just scares them. Yes, I agree, it just scares them."
Dr. Laura reaffirms her unwavering stance against such mistreatment, especially within a faith-based educational setting, and offers continued support.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Dr. Laura reaffirming her commitment to helping families navigate challenging social dynamics in educational environments. Her direct and forthright approach serves as a powerful example for parents dealing with similar situations, emphasizing the importance of standing up against bullying and advocating for a supportive and ethical school atmosphere.
Dr. Laura Schlessinger [07:05]: "I don't tolerate for this brutal stuff against kids in a Christian school. Give me a break. Bet they're all getting A's in what my number. 1-800-375-2872."
Key Takeaways
- Proactive Engagement: Confront issues of bullying directly by involving legal counsel and school administration.
- Community Support: Organize collective meetings with parents and school officials to address and resolve conflicts.
- Upholding Values: Ensure that the school's practices align with its professed religious or ethical standards.
- Parental Advocacy: Parents should actively protect their children from mistreatment and advocate for a safe and supportive educational environment.
For more insightful advice and guidance on family and parenting issues, tune into Dr. Laura Call of the Day on SiriusXM Triumph 111. Visit DrLaura.com to become a Family member and join millions of listeners benefiting from Dr. Laura Schlessinger's expertise.