Hello, good people of the world who actually read what I have to say. You are loved! I've decided to write about something that's been bugging me for a while.
Bullying
Yep, it has nothing to do with novels. So, why is this writer blogging about something other than the expected norm? Easy, it affects everyone. Maybe, it was you, your child, a neighbors kid, or even the sweet little girl you see getting picked on daily walking past your house. It happens all around us, and many stand idly by doing nothing to stop it. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those protesters who picket the local school board with signs blaring: STOP THE BULLYING! No, but I am a writer who has a voice and if there is one person I can convince to pass this along, I've done something.
The Truth about Bullying
Let's face it, we all know what bullying is. Here is what it's not. Bullying is not illegal! Forms of bullying are: College hazing, Cyberbullying (electronic harassment), and harassment can be punishable by law. Okay, I'm confused. So, it's appropriate to legalize recreational marijuana in four of our states, but bullying that can and does lead to suicide in our youth is not protected by law. Wow! Where are our priorities? At some point it must stop! I've heard from parents, nonparents, and everyone in between say: You need to toughen up your children; teach them to fight back! I have no problem with self-defense, but not every child is equipped or inclined to fight. Sadly, some of those picked on are special needs children and unable to completely understand the ramifications it has on their (and their parents) everyday lives. I can tell you from personal experience the parents of a bullied child feel their hands are tied. Especially, since most children are bullied inside the confines of school. That's right! Inside the institution where your children are supposed to be learning.
It's not okay for a child to be verbally abused because their hair is different, or their skin is a different color, or their clothes aren't like the other kids. It is certainly not okay for a child to be beaten up for any reason, but it happens daily. Society today (at least some) have become lazy with their parenting skills. No skills, actually. I look around and it saddens me that many parents have no clue what their children are doing, or don't care. I'm not blaming parents in all instances (peer pressure), but where else does it stem from. Think about it. If you're one of those parents who are involved with their children's lives and teach them courage and kindness will always prevail, you have the upper hand. Good for you! But what about those children who have no guidance. What path do you think those children will walk? I, certainly, don't have all the answers. I'm just a parent who is, pardon the cliché, sick and tired of witnessing children being tormented by other children who have inept parents.
Okay, what can be done? Well, I've found this website most helpful, and I hope you do as well. Below the link, you will find an article by girlshealth.gov that provides some creative ways for both boys and girls who either suffer from bullying or want to put a stop to it.
It's not okay for a child to be verbally abused because their hair is different, or their skin is a different color, or their clothes aren't like the other kids. It is certainly not okay for a child to be beaten up for any reason, but it happens daily. Society today (at least some) have become lazy with their parenting skills. No skills, actually. I look around and it saddens me that many parents have no clue what their children are doing, or don't care. I'm not blaming parents in all instances (peer pressure), but where else does it stem from. Think about it. If you're one of those parents who are involved with their children's lives and teach them courage and kindness will always prevail, you have the upper hand. Good for you! But what about those children who have no guidance. What path do you think those children will walk? I, certainly, don't have all the answers. I'm just a parent who is, pardon the cliché, sick and tired of witnessing children being tormented by other children who have inept parents.
Okay, what can be done? Well, I've found this website most helpful, and I hope you do as well. Below the link, you will find an article by girlshealth.gov that provides some creative ways for both boys and girls who either suffer from bullying or want to put a stop to it.
How to stop bullying at school
You can be someone who stops bullying before it even starts. How cool is that! Here are some ways to beat bullying at your school.
You can be someone who stops bullying before it even starts. How cool is that! Here are some ways to beat bullying at your school.
- Stand up for people who are bullied. Bullies often want an audience and approval. Let bullies know that you do not think being mean is cool.
- Take an anti-bullying pledge. Print out our pledge to stand up against bullying. Share it with your friends, and let people know what you believe. And share our anti-bullying image on Facebook too.
- Take action. See if you can start an anti-bullying club or prevention program at your school.
- Talk to other kids. Try to learn more about where bullying happens at your school. Talk about what might help. See if you and some friends can go together to talk to an adult at school.
- Talk to your teachers or principal. Let adults at school know that you care about this topic. Ask the school to host an assembly on bullying. Ask for an anonymous survey to learn how many kids are being bullied.
- Talk to your parents or guardians. Your parents or guardians can ask your school to focus more on bullying. We have information for adults on the bullying page in our section for parents and caregivers.
- Speak (and write) up! Write a blog, school newspaper article, or tweets to tackle bullying.
- Get creative. How about starting a poster-making or rap-writing contest? Check out more cool ideas, plus tools for having a group discussion on bullying.
Credits: www.girlshealth.gov (How to stop bullying at school) If you have trouble with the links in the article, please go to their official website listed above it.
All opinions are my own.
All opinions are my own.