Less than two week ago, a 13-year-old child committed suicide because he was being bullied at school. This honestly breaks my heart. My younger brother is 13 and I cannot even fathom a life without him. These 13 short years were taken away too quickly because some kids felt the need to belittle others in order to feel better about themselves. His future was taken too early. His parents are left heartbroken. And the bullies will most likely continue to torture others. Nobody ever should be treated like this -- ever. Coming from someone who was bullied, considered suicide and ultimately developed an eating disorder, I know how cruel young children can be. They are too insecure about themselves, thus feel the need to lessen the value of others. I know exactly what this child went through and it honestly makes me cry. It took me years to feel comfortable in my own skin and every time someone made snide comments about my weight or personality, it brought me right back to those dark thoughts. Nobody needs others pointing out one's flaws.
Over the years, too many people have ended their lives due to bullying and these re-occurrences should raise a serious question, "Why did no one ever try to stop the bullying?" In many cases of suicide caused by bullying, the perpetrators were rarely convicted or told to stop. Teachers and parents should have an absolute no tolerance policy when bulling is involved, but sadly many adults do nothing to help. And unfortunately, the parents of the victim rarely know what is going on because their child is too ashamed. No parent ever wants to know their child is being bullied and often they never find out until it is too late. Everyday, people of all ages are bullied and soon enough they can no longer handle the pain.
I was bullied. I know how these people feel and honestly I most likely wouldn't be here if I never got the help I needed from my parents. Yes, I resented them because I wanted to be gone, but now I am beyond thankful. Yes, I did not deserve how I was treated and nobody does, but luckily I got help when I needed it most. I never reached out, but rather someone grabbed me when it was almost too late. All I ask of anyone is to be aware of how much bullying can affect someone and to intervene at the slightest sign of bullying. This young boy deserved a better life. He was loved as is everyone.
No one ever needs to feel that he/she is unwanted, so make sure to treat everyone like an equal. You never know what small move can save someone's life.
