Did you know that there are about 4,400 suicides in the United States per year that are caused by bullying?
Did you know that for every suicide there are 100 attempts of suicide that are caused by bullying?
Did you know that 160,000 kids stay home everyday from school because they are bullied?
Does this sound like something that should be happening? NO. It does not.
In my community, a young soul just took her own life due to bullying. I did not know this person, but I do not think that I need to know her to address this issue. As a future educator in the making, bullying is a frequent topic of discussion within our classrooms. I do have strong feelings towards the issue of bullying. I, myself, was a victim of bullying whenever I was in elementary school. I know what feelings run the course with bullying and how it makes you feel as a person. Bullying and cyber bullying happen on the daily. Bullying is something that everyone needs to take seriously and everyone needs to be educated about. Bullying needs to stop, NOW.
It is NOT OK to call someone names.
It is NOT OK to make fun of what someone is wearing.
It is NOT OK to make fun of someone's physical makeup.
It is NOT OK to mentally abuse someone whether it be in person or by using technology.
So, to whoever is reading this, bully, victim, or a bystander, listen.
If you are the bully stop what you are doing right now. Just put yourself in the other person's shoes and imagine someone ruining your life like you are doing to that person. Doesn't sound fun does it? God created us to love one another and to be loving, generous people. If you are not religious, that's okay, but do not take the extra time of the day to make someone else's life miserable. Find something else to do, please.
If you are a victim, get help. Do not be afraid or embarrassed of doing so. There are many loving people in this world that would be more than glad to give you a hand with your situation, whether it be a family member, a teacher, a guidance counselor, a friend, or maybe even a complete stranger. You are not alone, and you can get help.
If you are a bystander, reach out to a victim. If you see bully happening, help out the victim. Do not be afraid of people's opinion or what they may say about you, because after all you are being the bigger, more caring person in the end of it all. Help someone out because it may be just what that person needs. A little help goes a long way.
Everyone, we need to stop bullying. It is not alright that people are taking their own lives, attempting to take their own lives, and afraid of going to school due to bullying.
Let us stop bullying, NOW.
