I think we're hoping that lessons of tolerance can be taught early on. High school is too late for many kids, who've spent their whole lives picking on those who are different with no consequences. I dread to think how awful some kids are going to be at high school if they're already starting to bully at such a young age.
It was disheartening seeing some people on one of the blogs claiming that it wasn't bullying. As if verbal abuse, being made to feel you are somehow 'wrong' and socially unacceptable, is nothing to get upset over. That's the sort of attitudes that need tackling, though I don't know how; with young kids might be the only option since some of those saying it's not a big deal are parents and clearly aren't going to instil tolerance and respect into their kids.

It shouldn't be up to teachers to do everything. It's up to parents to teach their kids respect. And it's up to society as a whole to stop mistreating people. No easy answers or ways to deal with this :( On the other hand, so much support for this girl is a good thing, letting her know that so many others are "different".