I simply need to post a topic about this, because lately, I've been subjected to an awful amount of ridiculing/mocking/teasing. I have not been on the receiving end, nor can I tell you what it is like to be the "bully": I'm a mere spectator of an issue that, at least in this nation, has grown to dishearteningly large proportions. Because this is an online forum with youth and adults alike, I decided it would be a good idea to start a topic such as this; as it may not only benefit your lives online, but in the real world as well.
I wanted to open this topic to toss around some general ideas about bullying; just to bring up the topic, and generate a response from each of you. Bullying: What do you think of it, what do you do to stop it, have you ever been affected by it, how do you feel if you have ever been subjected to it in any way... etc. I think if we all talk about it and see the opinions of others, maybe we will find it within ourselves to try to diminish this issue or find strength if this is something that we are dealing with.
I'll start off: My feelings about bullying consist of the following: One, when I see it happening, my respect for the bully decreases. I have found that people that ridicule others as if they are superior actually establish that they are indeed the lesser person for doing so.
Two, I believe that if someone is being tormented by a bully, someone should try to stick up for them (particularly if the person being bullied cannot do so for themselves.) For example, I go to school with a girl who is a little less mentally able than the rest and also is a bit emotional, but instead of treating her with kindness she needs, my peers have bullied her for years - even now, as we're entering adulthood. People like her need someone to stick up for them. This goes for adults, too.
Three, cyber-bullying... I believe that this type is the worst and leads to the most unfortunate consequences. I know my school does not tolerate it - I would suggest, if you see it happening within yours, to report it (even if you feel you must do so anonymously). I definitely think adults should intervene if this ever occurs, as well.
Four, if you are being bullied, do not let it hurt you. Think of it like this: whoever is hurting you is only doing so because they are unsure of themselves - they lack the confidence to feel content with themselves, and thus, they feel a need to degrade others in order to make themselves feel superior to someone. If you allow them to draw an emotional response from you, they will only torment you more. Ignore it, no matter how cruel the comment, and it will cease.
Now I leave it to you: discuss: express your thoughts, opinions, advice, and experiences...
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When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door, that we do not see the one which has opened for us. -Helen Keller
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