The 90s were thew era of "Zero Tolerance" stupidities that punished the victims and protected the bullies. "Jocks vs Nerds" tensions got official teeth; and the

The 90s were thew era of "Zero Tolerance" stupidities that punished the victims and protected the bullies. "Jocks vs Nerds" tensions got official teeth; and the Nerds were the targets. Columbine "started a conversation about bullying" when it was a well known "we just don't talk about it" feature of life. There was a feeling that maybe the troublesome kids could be beaten into shape by the "good kids". That didn't work so they switched to participation trophies and "awareness" campaigns.