Boy who cried "bully"?

Are we too quick to cry 'bully'? That's what some researchers are now saying. After the tragic teen suicides in Connecticut, New York, Nova Scotia and Britain, the world has closely related even the slightest amount of teasing to bullying. Since the beginning of October, many new campaigns expressing the importance of ceasing all acts of bullying have erupted. The word "bullying" has been abused in the last few years. Joking, teasing, or fighting has been automatically assumed to be bullying. The issue should, by no means, be taken lightly. But the casualness of the word has depreciated the problem, and people are failing to see the seriousness of it. The awareness campaigns have started an uproar in many schools. But despite the positive energy these campaigns produce, there are unfortunate side effects that were not intended. "Everyone wants to adopt it," said Elizabeth Englander, a professor of psychology and founder and director of the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State University. CNN states that "people sometimes confuse bullying with the unfortunate -- but normal -- moments of angry, thoughtless or hurtful behavior. Actual bullying, many educators and social scientists say, is intentional, repetitive abuse by a powerful person toward a less powerful target." Say the word "bully" in school, and people are quick to react. The situation is handled differently around the country and different punishments are given for different types of bullying. Some states passed laws on the horrible act, but most states, educators, lawmakers, parents are to play it by ear. The reaction is mostly helpful, but some say it hinders the child's ability to cope with minor conflicts independently. So the question is, which cases should you investigate? Or should all educators, parents, and lawmakers revert back to the old days -- look the other way?