Teen offers helpful advice in ‘The Survival Guide to Bullying’
August 11, 2015 0 Comments
Bullying is defined by Webster’s dictionary as “the use of superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what one wants.” Bullying is a devastating thing and it is not just a physical attack but it can be done through words and emotions as well. Cyber bullying is a newer form of bullying that occurs among today’s children and teens.
Bullying does not just affect young children and teenagers but it affects adults as well. It is not uncommon to be bullied in the workplace by a person who has a superiority complex or to be bullied by a fellow driver with road rage. Bullying leaves lasting effects and a lot of people do not feel comfortable addressing the issue because they feel inadequate or fearful. Reading can be a great way to escape the negative aspects of life. Getting lost in a book can be therapy in itself. A new book about bullying was released in June 2015.
“The Survival Guide to Bullying: Written by a Teen,” by Aija Mayrock, is a great guide that sheds light on the issue of bullying. It is written by a teenager who is able to tell her side of the story and her experiences. This book is full of survival stories, poems and quizzes, and gives advice for a better, healthier future. It also dedicates a chapter on how to talk to parents about bullying. This is a great read for children and teenagers who are bullied, as well as parents.
The reader reviews are positive and reflect on the importance of a young woman writing on an issue that she dealt with firsthand. One reader wrote: “Really wonderful book for kids struggling with bullying. Not enough of these published out there, and I think it’s fantastic that this book is written by a peer. Love the creativity of the ‘roems’ (rap poems) and outlets of expression for kids to vent their pain. I hope this book encourages other preteens/teens to embrace their true selves and find something through which they can express their sentiments like Aija. I would recommend to anyone who knows a youth facing this.”
Mayrock is a 19-year-old girl who experienced bullying firsthand. Instead of letting her experiences break her down, she channeled her positive energy into writing and self-publishing “The Survival Guide to Bullying,” through which she shares the strategies that helped her survive and thrive. Mayrock writes about how to handle bullying, cyber bullying, fear and personal safety, and ultimately how to create the life that you dream of having. Mayrock is also an accomplished screenwriter. Her film, “Diego,” received a Silver Key from Scholastic’s Art and Writing Awards. Visit Mayrock online.
White River Academy is a boarding school, which takes bullying seriously and creates a positive environment where troubled 12- to 17-year-old boys can thrive socially. To speak with an admissions counselor, please contact 866-300-0616.
Written by Kristen Fuller, M.D., Sovereign Health Group writer