Well many say that kids have to learn how to fend for them selves while others say that the protection of their kids is top priority. Of course it is of huge importance to keep your kid(s) safe but too much over protection can lead the child(ren) into not fully understanding the world. Thinking no matter what happens their parents can always protect them. This of course is not true for the cycle of life will someday overpower us all. For example when Richie punched Russel in the face bleeding everywhere that, I believe, should be told to the principle. If she decides to do nothing about it then that adult has no sense of responsibility towards the safety of her school. Personally When I read that she did nothing I got really angry at the whole idea of it. Of course it kept the book going at an interesting pace but still I was extremely angry at this make-believe principle. Also take this for example again. Bullies throw kid off bridge. I mean hello people are almost dying out here (in your school)and your not doing anything. Honestly I think that Russel's mother had a good idea of what was going on when she said, “I’m not doing nothing. If one adult did this to another, he be in jail. Why should it be different for kids?” Who knows maybe the cops would have done something.