For the first time in the 97-year history of the Boy Scouts of America, newcomers must show that they have learned Scout-approved ways to avoid being pushed around and called names, if they want to advance through the ranks.
The 2008 handbook has taken on all bullies.
Jim Terry, assistant chief executive of the Boy Scouts says, "We've always emphasized bullying -- how to recognize it, how to prevent it. This is just a reinforcement of those principles."
The 472-page Boy Scouts Handbook devotes a half-page to bullies, and Scouts are required to discuss the material with a troop leader to reach the beginner rank of Tenderfoot.
Terry said the measures help reinforce personal safety lessons the Boy Scouts have taught all along. Bullying long has been the subject of informal troop leader talks, and the Boy Scouts have published a comic book about the subject. The handbook also covers cyberbullying. Aspiring Scouts must demonstrate they know how to show restraint when taunted online.
(story taken from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
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