Bullying is Hurtful
Beyond the emotional distress of being bullied, many are subject to physical pain. In many instances, bullying can escalate to physical pain being inflicted on the victim. The young boy on the school bus who was pummelled by bullies as others cheered on and subsequently endured a broken jaw – to the girl who was forced to eat sand after her head was pushed to the ground.
Bullying Comes in Many Shapes and Sizes
- VERBAL BULLYING – saying or writing mean things.
- Teasing
- Name-calling
- Inappropriate sexual comments
- Taunting
- Threatening to cause harm
- SOCIAL BULLYING – involves damaging someone’s reputation or relationships.
- Leaving someone out on purpose
- Telling other children not to be friends with someone
- Spreading rumors about someone
- Embarrassing someone in public
- PHYSICAL BULLYING – hurting a person’s body or possessions.
- Hitting/kicking/pinching
- Spitting
- Tripping/pushing
- Taking or breaking someone’s things
- CYBER BULLYING – use of electronic technology to bully.
- Mean text messages.
- Rumors sent by email.
- Rumors posted on social networking sites.
- Posting embarrassing pictures or videos.
- Setting up fake accounts in victim name.
Verbal, physical, and cyberbullying all have long term effects on the personality and esteem of the individual being bullied. The person being bullied may struggle with depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping and eating, loneliness, and decreased achievement in school. Oftentimes, the effects of bullying will continue into a victim’s adult life, leading to increased drug abuse and decreased social stability. Many who have been bullied tend to keep the abuse a secret, because of shame and embarrassment or fear of further pain they may suffer as a result of speaking out; thus, the bullying persists.
Bullying knows no limits.
Bullying is often dangerous for the well being of the bully and the bullied. The effects of bullying can also be dangerous for bystanders, those who stand by and watch without interjection. Bystanders face peer pressure and are afraid of showing vulnerability; therefore, they refrain from doing the right thing and stepping in.
Bullying can be stopped.
For starters – where bystanders are concerned, both those being taunted and those who are taunting, it is important to set the standard from early on that bullying cannot be tolerated. Schools and communities can help protect children against bullying behavior by emphasizing their respect for diversity.
The Friendeshans Would Like to UNIFY Against Bullying
Aside from bringing awareness and offering useful information to identify and prevent bullying, the Friendeshans often search the galaxy for organizations that support anti-bullying efforts. This weeks journey lead our loveable race to UNIFY – a non-profit organization who “pledge to bring an end to bullying through the celebration of diversity”.
According to their mission statement:
There are countless children waging quiet battles against bullying. Many believe that they are alone. Unify Against Bullying wants these children to know they are far from alone. They are supported by a loving, caring community of fellow students, teachers, parents, brothers, sisters, business leaders and others.
Check out this video that introduces UNIFY, then be sure to check them out at: UnifyAgainstBullying.org