Should bullies be punished?

Editor's note: A string of violent incidents involving minors has caused a flurry of online criticism, with many calling for harsher punishment for juveniles behind the violence. Under Chinese criminal law, minors under the age of 14 cannot be prosecuted. Should adolescent bullies be punished as criminals? What do you think? You're welcome to leave your comments.

Eleanor (UK)

Bullies should definitely be punished for the torment they cause. Bullying is more than just harmless fun and joking around, it has resulted in suicides in the worst cases and at best children feel alienated or depressed. Bullying is not okay and bullies should be punished for their actions. Taking action and punishing bullies is the only way to prevent and try to stop bullying before it leads to something horrible.

Bascomb Elementary School takes a proactive approach to curbing the growing problem of bullying in Woodstock, GA, US. Signs are placed throughout the school reminding students what constitutes bullying and urging students to report it if they see it. [Photo/IC]