<p>I think what frustrates me about this discussion is so many people saying what “should” be done. Of course, in a perfect world. Many times the victims have told authority figures, many times over and over. Sometimes the bullies get a punishment, most of the time that just makes them “cooler” in the eyes of the other kids. Believe me, few boys are afraid of the normal punishments - suspension, ISS, etc. Maybe if they had to go out and do some sort of really awful community service or if their parents REALLY punished them - like staying in their rooms everyday after school with no media for a couple of weeks, they might think twice, maybe. But mostly what drives them is the sense of power and the “admiration/fear” from their peers. So yes, in a perfect world a victim would tell and authority figure and the authority figure would act quickly and the bully would be punished and the bully would be ashamed and mend their ways. Never seen it happen, probably never will. So in the meantime while everyone is wishing for this perfect world scenario what are the victims supposed to do?</p>