Why do school yards bring out worst in kids?

[RandySF]

We went to a kid's birthday party and she guest of honor was so sweet. Today, when I went to help out during recess, I saw her try to twist another girl's arm off. What is it about school yards that bring out the beasts in kids?

[madrchsod]

1. who knows...i think it`s been like that for years....

[baldguy]

2. Ever read "Lord Of The Flies"?

[no_hypocrisy]

4. Oh Jesus, that was *exactly* my same thought!

[Abin Sur]

3. Because they're (largely) unsupervised when at school yards

and their true nature comes out. Many children are inherently *mean*.

[MichiganVote]

5. Kids are as territorial as any other living thing. They're uncivilized. Like Congress.

Seriously--if all you see when kids are at play is the rotten stuff you miss the good stuff.

[txlibdem]

6. Lack of supervision, yes, but play time should be used to identify troubled youth

Children need supervised and guided play time, not "all hell's broken loose" time.

Children suffer from abuse or neglect at home and then take out their inner pain on a suitable "victim" on the playground. These children should be identified and singled out for help and counseling (and perhaps CPS assistance).

Bullying, preying on weaker children, pushing, name calling, etc., these are not the actions of a well adjusted child. Children like this need help, not "looking the other way."