Bullying is a topic that has been drilled into our minds from a very young age on. Though as much as it’s discussed, as much as we are told it’s wrong, and as much as there are resources to get the helping hand needed to put whatever it is you are going through to an end, it’s never simple, and much easier said than done. Many fail to recognize that bullying is still very prominent no matter the age you are. And due to that, those who are in the position of being bullied feel discouraged and suppress their feelings.
You are not alone. Classmates you see in the hall, ones you may not even suspect are most likely being bullied or have been bullied in the past. One way or another, the majority of those around you have been in the same position as you.
October is National Bullying Awareness Month, and a time to really address the issue and its effects on kids, teenagers, and even families.
Bullying isn’t just what you see on television. Especially now, living in the 21st century. Fortunately and unfortunately social media has made a massive impact on our lives. Those on the internet and social media can communicate much easier with each other prior to its existence. And although that’s wonderful, it’s also what influences most bullying today.
“It’s more of a problem now because we have online bullying,” said Mrs. Jones, a counselor at Wheeling Park High School. “Some students are just attached to their phones in an abnormal way.”
Mr. Leggett, an assistant principal at Wheeling Park High School, spoke about bullying and how Wheeling Park views the subject.
“Here at Wheeling Park we have zero tolerance for bullying,” said Leggett. “There’s a lot of avenues for students to report bullying, we have the STOPit app, which a lot of students will use, it’s anonymous.”
The STOPit app is a fantastic way for students to communicate with administration in an anonymous way. Numerous of those who are in a situation where they’re being bullied aren’t comfortable walking into the counseling office, or going to a teacher to discuss what they’re going through.
Though, a common worry students share is the fear that if they get help, it may make the situation worse. While that feeling is valid, some fail to realize that administration and staff at the school are here to help in a quiet and careful way.
“We try to do it in a discreet manner to where we can stop it immediately,” said Leggett. “But our biggest thing is we want to be an advocate for all of our students and we want to let them know that you can come to us and we can help you, because a lot of times unfortunately some students will let it get too bad before they seek help and we can really help them and end it before it really starts.”
Those around you, including myself, understand the pain and anxiety of feeling belittled and intimidated by others. As large or as little it may be. Think of it this way- suppose you take a plate, throw it on the ground, and it shatters into bits and pieces. So, you glue the plate back together to make it whole again. It doesn’t look the same as it did before, does it?
Your classmates, colleagues, acquaintances, and everyone around you are plates. Hurting them makes a permanent impact. So in other words, if you don’t have anything nice to say, simply don’t say anything at all.
Bullying is a very prevalent issue that has extensive repercussions for those involved. Discussing, addressing, and understanding the subject helps bring awareness to, and creates a safer environment for everyone around.
