Have you heard about Rachael Ehmke? Do you know who she was? She was a 13 year old from Minnesota
who committed suicide after being subjected to months of bullying. Bullying for some might be those girls in
school who tease endlessly, for some it might be the biggest boy in the neighbourhood
ganging up on him. No matter what form or situation it comes in, it can lead to
depression, negativity and in extreme cases loss of life.
What exactly is
bullying? Is it only the use of force or coercion to intimidate others? Or
is there something more and beyond it?
If you were to ask
me, I'd say there is definitely more to it. Many people in our society
retain horrible memories of high school, a large part of it being the bullying
they experienced.
So why do bullies
bully? It is found that people who are depressed, angry or upset with family
issues, who have low self - esteem, who have a strong need to be in control of
others, who lack the ability to self - regulate their emotions; family
backgrounds etc. end up bullying others.
Victims of bulling
fit similar profile. They are likely to be aggressive, depressed, who lacks
social skills, negativity, who is rejected and isolated.
There are various
types of bullying such as school bullying, workplace bullying, cyber bullying
etc. Bullying is not only physical but verbal too and verbal bullying can do
the same damage as physical bullying.
And as Eminem rightly says in
his song, "Sing for the Moment"
"I
guess words are a m****
They
can be great or they can degrade,
Or
worse they can teach hate."
Today
bullying has taken place as one of the most important issues which needs to be
handled carefully as it is also of the most sensitive issues.
There are many
organizations, programs, which promote "STOP BULLYING" such as
Trevor Project, the National Center for Bullying Prevention, GLSEN, The
Humanity Project etc.
Many artists,
celebrities have taken initiative to spread the message of stop
bullying.
Hilary Duff says -
"When one person is verbally or mentally
abusive, the damages can last a lifetime. And sometimes words can hurt much
more than physical cuts or bruises. Believe it or not, people that are hurting
are usually the ones that hurt others, and it comes from a place of insecurity.
So take the high road. Don't be a part of the problem, be a part of the
solution. Thanks."
Daniel
Radcliffe said, “These
young people were bullied and tormented by people that should have been their
friends. We have a responsibility to be better to each other, and accept each
other’s differences regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race,
ability, or religion and stand up for someone when they’re bullied.”
Elton
John rightly says, "Speak
out, speak out. Snitch on them. Try to defend yourself, not like me, who hid it
and thought it was OK to just go on like it."
Some shocking facts
about bullying:
1)
1 out of 4 teens are bullied.
2)
1 out of 5 kids admits to being a
bully, or doing some “Bullying.”
3)
43% fear harassment in bathrooms.
4)
As many as 160,000 students stay
home on any given day because they’re afraid of being bullied.
5)
43% of kids have been bullied
while online. 1 in 4 have had it happen more than once.
6)
47% of older youth 18-24 are
cyberbullied.
7)
97% of middle schoolers are
bullied while online.
Some people feel that
bullying is a part of growing up. I think it isn't. Bullying is intentional
teasing and harassment which leads to physical, mental and emotional strain.
Take part in
anti-bullying projects; take initiative in schools and colleges to stop these
wrongful acts. Help bullied victims. One step forward from your side can make a
big difference.
These are some sites
which have taken initiative to stop bullying. Visit these and see if you can be
a part of the solution:
