The level of bullying on streets, in schools, playgrounds and other locations is at an all time high. We see the issue of bullying being addressed on television shows, hear about it on radio programs and read about it in magazines and newspapers. There are various forms of bullying; including cyber bullying, social bullying, workplace bullying, physical bullying, and text bullying.
“It’s happening everywhere there are children,” said Michael A. Johnson, principal of Quantico Middle/Senior High School in Virginia. “The students need to know that it will never be tolerated here.” Faculty members, students, parents and law enforcement officers read letters and watched videos made by students from across the nation at a bully prevention seminar Friday. The Quantico community members discussed different types of bullying and the legal repercussions that can be faced by a bully. They learned that someone who witnesses bullying and does nothing to stop it or report it, is just as guilty as the bully.
Five students were told to crumble up a piece of paper and then try to straighten it out. The exercise proved that once something is done…..it cannot always be undone. School liason Trish Sowell said, “once you say something, you can’t take it back. Spreading rumors and saying hurtful things about someone can leave emotional wounds we might not be able to see.”
The community members viewed videos depicting students being picked on because of their appearance, or not being chosen to be on a team, or being bullied over the internet. There are several websites that define bullying, discuss the effects of teen bullying, and offer tips on preventing or reducing bullying. “To stop bullying, it must start with you. If there are no heroes to save you, you must be the hero,” said Latoya Cheatman, Family Advocacy program representative.
Forty six percent of males followed by 26 percent of females reported being victims in physical fights in statistics compiled by the Bureau of Justice School. “It’s (bullying) an issue that needs to be taken seriously,” said Joseph P. Riley, Marine Corps Base Quantico chief of police. “There are children being prosecuted all across the United States, and even in your backyard, for bullying.” He said a child, teen or adult who is convicted may be affected the rest of their lives because the event is detailed on their criminal record. Employers may think twice before hiring someone with a bullying background no matter how long ago the incident took place.