I appreciate that sentiment, but to be honest, even most adults pressed into that kind of environment would not do well. Remember as an adult you are granted the autonomy to get away from unpleasant situations, and if not that, then the tools to resolve issues fairly.

Children have no tools, and are forced into these situations with no possibility of escape. The thicker skin you describe doesn't exist for the majority of the planet.

When your kid feels harassed and bullied telling them to just "have thicker skin" is not going to cut it.

Of course not, but bringing the gender equality into discussion is pointless. Teenagers find any reason for bullying. I was bullied for having a lazy eye and enjoying baroque music back when everyone my was hooked up on Smooth Criminal. My cousin had her share of it because she played the drums (how unthinkable for a woman!)

My parents tried all they could to shelter me behind regulations, and even they -- a colonel and an elementary school teacher -- failed and eventually admitted I have to stand up for myself if everything else fails. I stood up to (and beaten the crap out of) bullies and even stood up to teachers if I had to.

The people who don't care about the rules are the people against which bullied and harassed teenagers have no one to count on other than themselves.

i completely disagree that it's pointless to bring up. That is the entire point. Yes, kids say stupid things, but part of the job of the adults in their life should be to help them see why those things are stupid and learn to not act so horribly as "a joke" so they don't grow up to get up on stage and pretend to jerk off at a tech conference.

Hmmm, I don't remember saying that.

My parents didn't teach me to run to them or to teachers when stuff like this happens. They taught me how to deal with it myself.

Treating high schoolers like they're helpless kids might be fashionable now, but it might not seam as wise when they're 30 and living at home.

You should give an example of what would cut it.