Have you ever been called a name? Of course, especially in school. Kids in school can be stubborn. Kids go to school to learn, not to be hurt or scared. Adults are also made fun of in work places. This aggressive behavior even has a name, and it is called bullying.
There are many causes and effects of bullying. The average bullying episode lasts about thirty-seven seconds. It may seem little to you but for the person being bullied, it is a lifetime. People say they intervene 71% of the time, but in reality only 25% of the time someone does. This is one of the reasons the bullying numbers increase. People just walk past without a care. Everyday people skip school, work, going to the park, etc. out of fear in bullying. That is just how some kids live.
Most bullying happens at school, especially in middle school because no one knows quite who they are yet. Everyone has had at least one bullying event, even the slightest little name calling. It starts as young as kindergarten, and if it is not addressed that bullying is wrong at a young age, those children are more likely to be bullies. We do not make a big enough deal of bullying, so there are millions of bullies that we did not teach what is right and what is wrong. This is why it is so important to help people realize that this is wrong.
Bullying has changed quite a bit over time. In 1530, the word “Bully” meant “Sweetheart” but later became “Harasser Of The Weak.” Well, that escalated quickly. Bullies used to just steal your lunch money, but over time the violence increased creating more fearful kids. Now that the internet is such a big part of our lives, 51% of middle schoolers said they used the internet or social media website to say something mean about another person. So even when a victim goes home, it cannot be escaped. Bullying follows you everywhere. People even go as far as letting someone get hurt physically just to bully someone over the internet!
There are many different types of bullying, but these are the most common.
Physical- when someone uses their body physically to humiliate, injure, or harass someone. For example, look around in gym class. I guarantee someone will be getting made fun of for their own physical form.
Verbal- these are the most commonly used by girls and boys. Almost everyone has seen this more than once. This is when someone uses their words like “ugly.” or “fat.” to bring down someone else about their appearance, or personality traits.
Emotional- this usually includes social exclusion, or more passive aggressive ways to make someone feel bad about themselves or left out. Sometimes people do not even realize they are doing it.
Cyber- cyber bullying is a huge place for bullying. This is when a person uses the internet to bring someones self-esteem down or post embarrassing photos of other people. It could be a person in the same room.
.Most people think that bullying would not affect anyone, “kids will be kids.” You are wrong. Bullying leads to many things that go even into adulthood. It can last a lifetime and leave major scars on a person’s poor heart. This includes depression, anxiety, social impairment, isolation, and in some cases death. This also caused anti-bullying laws in almost all 50 states of America. It is absolutely crazy that even the police have to get involved. If the school is notified of bullying and does not fix it, they could be breaking the state law. There have been huge movements since bullying became a hot button in the U.S. There are even movies and books about it including “Cyberbully” a fictional story of a girl bullied, and “Bully” a documentary on bullying and how it affects people. Believe it or not, there are even songs about it! From artists like Sia, and Shinedown, Black Veil Brides, even Joel Faviere. Sadly, after all this, most bullies remain stubborn and do not give in to even the police.
Believe it or not, celebrities have been bullied. Lady Gaga was thrown into a trashcan. Even the beautiful Kate Winslet was bullied for being “fat.” Michael Phelps was bullied too for having “big ears.” Everyone goes through it. Even the people that are looked up to. Some even continue to be bullied out of school. Bullying does not just stop there. Adults in the office are bullied by co-workers. The adults are just like the kids. Only 1 in 10 of the workplace victims tell someone about the bullying. Bullying does not stop at just school.
How can we help? There are many ways to help. The first step may seem scary, but please, tell someone. Tell a friend and travel in groups. There are even hotlines you can speak to if you feel you are in danger. Call 800-USA-KIDS (800-872-5437). Just a simple little “please stop” can make a huge difference. Stick up for others, no matter how much society judges them. Sticking up for others is the best thing you can do.
Bullying is bigger than people think. There is no escape, unless we do all that we can. It may be hard to understand right now, but you’ll get it someday. After all the tragedies, people still continue to bully. I hope one day with all our help and strength, the bullying will end. I believe that one day it will be a bully free world.
By writing some words below, you are showing your support and letting everyone know they're not alone.