Ever heard the song "Boy Named Sue" by Johnny Cash?
Meet a boy named Rufus...
It sucks to get picked on when you are young, but as long as it does not get out of hand it allows you to learn about the true nature of "most" humans. Most people are so insecure that they take their frustrations out on others.
All you need to do is pay attention to what your kids say in order to determine if they are being picked on just like everybody else or if they are being singled out. If they are singled out and the abuse is consistant from one individual or a group, then it is up to the parent to pay a visit to the perpetrators house and have a heart to heart with their parents.
Once the offender's parents have been warned...turn about becomes fair play...
It all works out in the end...
As a parent you are responsible to protect your kids from unnecesary abuse, violence, etc. I have neighbors whose (sp?) kids constanly cuss, and push each other around. Basically young punks with no guidance. My kids are not allowed to play with them because I do not want them exposed to such ignorance. It becomes tougher when the go to school, however there are4 ways to observe your kids at school without them knowing you are there.