When I was a kid, I quickly learned that most school administrators are lazy monsters. You only get in trouble if you make them do their jobs. You could literally get your ass beat by a crowd of feral children and then get suspended for being attacked and doing nothing in return.

Bullying isn't just condoned in schools, it is supported. If you try to report it to administrators you are more likely to be punished than the bullies because YOU are the pain point for them.

> the schools make both sides apologize to the other, requiring that the victim apologize to the bully.

Any idea what the idea is behind this?

I don't know the line of reasoning behind it.