This is a subject that I'm very passionate about. The main reason I feel so strongly about this topic is because I've been the target of bullying. Unfortunately, and I'm not proud to say it, I have also been the bully. There's no excuse for bullying, even low self esteem. I learnt this through means that most don't. I managed to identify my own actions and link them to the cause. Although I wasn't the one actively doing the bullying, I supported the bully. I'm fully aware that sometimes supporting the bully is worse than bullying itself, and can be classed as such.
I know that there's been a lot of talk about bullying in the media recently. Bullying statistics are increasing, and so are the effects of it. People may say that racism, sexism and homophobia are decreasing in our communities, but many aren't seeing these effects. Homophobic bullying has led to many children either despising who they are, or committing suicide. Bullying cuts deep, which ever way you look at it.
I've seen the many, nasty forms it comes in. It doesn't matter the tactics that are being used, the results are all the same. The victim will forever know what it's like to know that torment, they'll forever be fighting not to let that affect them again.
One of the few ways to get through bullying is to have a good support system. But no matter how much teachers and support people tell you to tell someone, or ignore it, that's usually easier said than done. Teachers themselves have been known to be the problem. They see a child that they don't know how to deal with and label them as a trouble maker. I must stress that most teachers in good schools don't do this. However, it is prevalent in small schools. I've been to both a big school and a small school. The differences are vast and very noticeable.
Although bullying can make you stronger, for a lot of people it doesn't have that effect. Eating disorders and self harm can be linked to childhood bullying. Being different isn't a crime, it's everyones right. We're entitled to be unique, to express ourselves how we wish. It's a civil responsibility to protect the wounded, and the minority. Life's an experience for all of us, no one has the right to ruin another persons journey.
Unfortunately, some forms of bullying are not identified or understood. Favouritism by parents is as bad as bullying.
Either way you swing it, bullying is horrid, and although lots is being done, not enough is getting through. I may be just one person, but I beg every one of you who reads this to stop and think. Be honest with yourself. Have you done enough to stop bullying? Could you do more?
Please, I'm not asking for a miracle, all I want is to maybe help one person, and inspire someone to do the same. If we all do one small thing, it'll snowball, maybe we'll see the change we need.
Two of the anti-bullying organizations which I whole heartedly support are; Wipeout Homophobia On Facebook (W.H.O.F) and the Anti-Bullying Coalition (ABC). Their both on Facebook, and I really believe in the work they do. The links to both are bellow.
http://www.facebook.com/WHOF1
http://www.facebook.com/AntiBullyingCoalition
I know that there's been a lot of talk about bullying in the media recently. Bullying statistics are increasing, and so are the effects of it. People may say that racism, sexism and homophobia are decreasing in our communities, but many aren't seeing these effects. Homophobic bullying has led to many children either despising who they are, or committing suicide. Bullying cuts deep, which ever way you look at it.
I've seen the many, nasty forms it comes in. It doesn't matter the tactics that are being used, the results are all the same. The victim will forever know what it's like to know that torment, they'll forever be fighting not to let that affect them again.
One of the few ways to get through bullying is to have a good support system. But no matter how much teachers and support people tell you to tell someone, or ignore it, that's usually easier said than done. Teachers themselves have been known to be the problem. They see a child that they don't know how to deal with and label them as a trouble maker. I must stress that most teachers in good schools don't do this. However, it is prevalent in small schools. I've been to both a big school and a small school. The differences are vast and very noticeable.
Although bullying can make you stronger, for a lot of people it doesn't have that effect. Eating disorders and self harm can be linked to childhood bullying. Being different isn't a crime, it's everyones right. We're entitled to be unique, to express ourselves how we wish. It's a civil responsibility to protect the wounded, and the minority. Life's an experience for all of us, no one has the right to ruin another persons journey.
Unfortunately, some forms of bullying are not identified or understood. Favouritism by parents is as bad as bullying.
Either way you swing it, bullying is horrid, and although lots is being done, not enough is getting through. I may be just one person, but I beg every one of you who reads this to stop and think. Be honest with yourself. Have you done enough to stop bullying? Could you do more?
Please, I'm not asking for a miracle, all I want is to maybe help one person, and inspire someone to do the same. If we all do one small thing, it'll snowball, maybe we'll see the change we need.
Two of the anti-bullying organizations which I whole heartedly support are; Wipeout Homophobia On Facebook (W.H.O.F) and the Anti-Bullying Coalition (ABC). Their both on Facebook, and I really believe in the work they do. The links to both are bellow.
http://www.facebook.com/WHOF1
http://www.facebook.com/AntiBullyingCoalition
