Bullying is very unwanted and aggressive behavior. People who are bullies use their power, such as words as well as physical strength, to make their victims’ self-esteem go as low as it can go. We can prevent bullies by being more kind to one another, even when we don’t feel like it.
Bullying is happening among adults as well as children. Teasing or taunting people because they don’t have the same social or physical skills or because someone feels they don’t have the same potential as the next person is not the way to go. Bullies make fun of people or things of which they are afraid, or if they feel bed about something and want to make others feel bad also.
Bullying should not be treated by the victim alone but with parental help and the proper authorities. One of the things I see authorities trying to put a stop to is cyber-bullying. That’s a good start, but there is more that can be done.
Most states have passed anti-bullying laws, but there are 11 states that have not, and Mississippi is one of these. I feel like there should be anti-bullying laws in Mississippi because it will make people feel safer at school and in the community as well.
In 2011, research indicated that in high schools nationwide, about 20 percent of students in grades 9-12 experienced some type of bullying. It also indicated that 28 percent of students in grades 6-12 experienced bullying. This means the lower the grade, the more children have to experience bullying. This needs to end.
There should be more consequences for bullying. If we recognize how much it affects our children and adults, then things will slowly get better. Small steps make big changes in all situations.
We have to make people more accountable for their actions toward people and how they treat one another. A lot of people need to stop instigating the bullies, and the instigators need to be held accountable as well. Let’s try to explain to them what needs to happen and to be more of a peacemaker. Separating them and keeping them separate is a good way to keep peace with them both.
The most insidious and overlooked form of bullying is verbal. Verbal bullying sticks to people mentally like glue. It leads to deep depression, anxiety and other problems. And believe it or not, it also affects the bully’s feelings.
Rather than make any assumptions, try to get positive people involved to whom both parties look up. It is very important that the victims not be bullied into isolation. Show them how to stand up to bullies but to stand up in the right way.
Families should try to get as much education about this as possible. If we do this at home, then there will not be anyone bullying. If the father bullies the mother or vice versa, then the children take this behavior as “cool.” What goes on at home will follow out in the community.
• Raymon M. Johnson III is a van monitor for the Ray Tribble Senior Care Center and a member of Friendship House and Life Help mental health center.
