A New Book, "Bully-Proofing Children" Takes Aim at Simon Cowell, as America's Biggest TV Bully

American Idol judge, Simon Cowell is accused of contributing to the rising levels of bullying behaviors in kids by authors Joanne and Arrica Scaglione in their newly-released book "Bully-Proofing Children."

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) January 24, 2007 -- The authors, of a newly-released book, Bully-Proofing Children (2006), Joanne and Arrica Scaglione say, "Shame on you, Simon Cowell." With bullying behaviors approaching epidemic proportions, we can thank the Simon Cowell's (American Idol judge) of this world, whose popularity like the school-yard bully, rises the meaner he becomes, states Joanne Scaglione, co-author. Last season , 34.6 million viewers watched American Idol… a show described as " family-friendly fare… [being] precisely the kind of show kids and adults watch together." Fortune Magazine. This year the numbers will double.

Simon Cowell's rude, and nasty behavior admired and laughed at by many has made him the most popular and feared judges on the panel. We laugh at his put-downs, his cruelty and mean-spirited behavior under the guise of honest critiques of musical performances. Shame on you Simon, the biggest bully on American TV, entertaining us at the expense of others with disrespectful and intolerable behavior. And what for… TV ratings? What a role model you are for our kids! Is there any difference between the three young teenage female-bullies in North Babylon New York, who recently physically beat up another girl and his brutal psychological beating of contestants. Is it no wonder that these girls had the audacity to film the beating, when Simon does it on national television weekly?

Unfortunately, laughing at this behavior and appreciating Simon's 'vicious honesty' sends a clear message to all including young viewers that the feelings of others are not important and are to be disregarded. Intolerance and disrespect is the path to take. And now to make matters worse, Simon appears in the new season, to be joined by the other two judges, Paula and Randy, as they follow his lead and support his outrageous behavior; recently on the audition shows laughing at contestants because of their looks?

How does this fit with parents' and schools' attempts to teach young children respect for each other, tolerance and kindness towards others…or is it "…Do as I say not as I do?" Isn't it time celebrities like Simon, become a little socially responsible?

Joanne Scaglione
Bully-Proofing Children, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
www.rowmaneducation.com

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