STOP BULYING
What
is bullying? Bullying is the act of aggressive and unwanted behavior that
involves intimidating and/or physically harming another person. Among school
age children, bullying involves a power imbalance of the stronger attacking the
weaker. Children who are victims of bullying often feel alone and powerless to
change their situation. When a child is bullied he can feel isolated, and
clinical depression and low self-confidence may develop. That is why you need
to learn how reading a bullying essay can help you!
As
a parent, you may not realize that your child is being bullied. It is important
to maintain open communication on a daily basis with your student, and discuss
as much as your student will share. Sometimes a parent can share stories from
their own past, and relive a bullying circumstance complete with a resolution
or regret. This can open the door for your child to share his own problems and
rely on you as his moral compass. When a parent steps in, their strength can
bring hope to this predator/prey scenario.
The
child should learn how to handle the bully themselves, and learn how to take
back their own power. Depending on the brutality of the bully, this can be as
simple as standing up for oneself and saying “no”. Handling a bully can be
tricky, especially when the intimidation or insults occur online. Social media
has become a platform for cruelty not seen in generations past. Cyberbullying
has become a popular way to attack other children and the psychological damage
to the victims can be devastating.
Rumors
are easily spread, and often believed when published online. Maybe a cyber
bullying essay can help. When a parent becomes aware of online abuse, it is
important to not retaliate or become directly involved. It is advisable to
document the behavior by printing out everything, and keeping a log. In a
notebook, record all displays of abuse; this will prove a pattern of cruel
behavior whether it be rumors, name-calling, or sexually inappropriate
comments.
Going
to the authorities may be necessary and alerting the school administration will
keep everyone on the same page. By documenting the “assaults”, the identity of
the culprit(s) will be evident and their behavior will be recorded for future
consequences. Why do children bully online? are there essays on bullying that
could clarify this? According to The Teen Online & Wireless Safety Survey,
81% of students believe that they can get away with online bullying because it
is easier to hide than a physical confrontation.
Actually,
the opposite is true because with online attacks, everything is recorded; there
is proof of the abuse. The playground has expanded with technology, but in no
way reduces the incidents of bullying on school grounds or on the bus. Why do
children bully? Students that are bullied at home commonly become the school
bullies. They take out their rage on smaller or weaker children in order to
give themselves power since they are powerless at home. Another reason a
student may bully another is self-protection.
Sometimes
a child will participate in belittling another person to prevent the bully from
picking on them; they divert the attention to another and become part of the
power rather than be victimized. Human groups, even children, are made up of
leaders and followers. Because of their perceived strength, children often
respond to bullies as they would a leader and do what they are told (giving up
their lunch money, or doing someone else’s homework). But there is a real
difference; a natural leader takes charge with good intentions, while a bully
will dominate another person at all costs. There are circumstances where a
leader is also a bully, but that is uncommon.
Most
bullies have low self-esteem and feel powerless at their core. The dynamic of
predator/prey can change for the victim if the bullying is caught early and
parental involvement occurs. When a parent understands via essays on bullying
that bullying is happening on the playground, in the school, on the bus, or
online, an honest discussion needs to take place. A parent needs to inform
their child that harmful behavior is unacceptable.
Teach
your child to stand up for themselves consistently, and be unafraid to involve
the authorities which includes the school administration. Abusive behavior has
consequences, and should not be encouraged to continue. To additionally support
their child who is being bullied, parents may keep a journal or have their
child write a bullying essay of sorts to express their feelings about the
bullying situation. By keeping a journal or by writing a bullying essay, a
victim may find their necessary outlet for their anger, sadness, and
frustration, and may share their words with friends, family, or authorities.
Expressing thoughts and feelings on paper, or in a computer document, can be a
healing tool that may benefit the child and help others who read it, who may
also be exposed to bullying situations. A cyber bullying essay can really help
in this.
The following are thirteen reasons why you should
get involved when it comes to bullying. In the United States,suicide ranks third highest in the cause of death
for young people. In Great Britain, studies show that in almost half of the
suicides reported, bullying was a contributing factor. The following 13 reasons
show why intervening when a person is being bullied is of the utmost
importance.
1.
It Breaks the Cycle of
Abuse – When you step in and stop a bully from
harassing their target, it breaks the cycle of abuse and slows the momentum of
the event. By asserting yourself and preventing the bullying activity, you send
a positive message that bullying in any form will not be tolerated.
2.
Immediate Prevention Lessens the
Impact – When the bullying is stopped, shortly after
it starts, the negative impact left on the victim is dramatically reduced. They
are able to recover their more quickly and can address the issue with less
hostility. It also reduces the amount of power a bully feels and may actually prevent them from attempting the act a second time.
3.
Immediate Response Allows for
Immediate Counseling – When the bully is caught in the act of harassing their
victim, it can be determined at that point to what extent counseling is needed.
This also applies to the victim, as well. While it is apparent that both
parties will need some sort of guidance, the actual amount may be reduced if
action is taken quickly enough. The quicker an act of bullying is stopped, the
faster the entire situation is diffused and the group can begin to resume
normal activities.
4.
Addresses the Issue at the Source
– When a bully is caught in the act, there is little denying where guilt should
be placed. Intervening allows the issue to be addressed immediately and without
having to go through a lengthy question and answer process.
5.
Reduces the Number of Suicide
Statistics – When the number of reported instances of
bullying are reduced, the number of bullying
related suicides drop as well. Addressing
the issue and getting both parties the help and guidance they need, can solve
both the problem of bullying, as well as the question of suicide. While it will
not prevent every suicide, it can dramatically reduce the number of possible
attempts, and with that being said, also reduce the rate of success as well.
6.
Sends a Positive Message that
Bullying Will Not Be Tolerated – When individuals step and stop an act of
bullying, it sends a positive message to both the bully and their victim. It
tells the bully that violence in any form will be stopped and to the victim, it
lets them know they are not alone and help is close by. The bystander who watches
the act take place also receives a message. It lets them know that it is
acceptable toreport bullying when it occurs, whether it
happens at school, in the park, a public place or in the home.
7.
Allows the Bully to Receive the
Help They Need – While most people tend to believe that only the victim needs
assistance, it is becoming quite clear that, in many cases, the bully also may
need counseling and guidance. When you intervene, you allow the bully a chance
to receive the help they need without looking weak. Most schools
require students who are accused of bullying to receive some form of counseling, even if it is only for a short period of time.
8.
Helps to Teach Tolerance and
Acceptance – In some cases of bullying, bullies often
go after other students who are different in some way. Cultural differences,
ethnicity, physical handicaps, financial hardship and learning
disabilities are all differences for
which students may get bullied. When an intervention occurs, it gives both
students an opportunity to get to know one another, especially if their
counseling sessions are to be held at the same time. In some schools and
educational settings, students are encouraged to get to know one another
through interaction and study groups. This allows both parties to gain a better
understanding of the others particular situation.
9.
Prevents the Problem from
Escalating – When a faculty member or teacher intervenes in a bullying
situation, it sends a distinct message that bullying will not be tolerated. One
simple intervention can send a message that bullying of any kind will not be
tolerated and will positively reinforce the schools’ zero tolerance
policy. Zero tolerance, in most cases, means that if a
student is caught bullying another child, they may be expelled without warning
if the case is severe enough.
10.
Gives Each Person the Opportunity
to Back Away Without Looking Weak or Fearful – When it comes tobullying, saving face is extremely important. If a student or parent intervenes, it
allows the victim to walk away gracefully without being afraid or ashamed. In
some cases, a bully may go too far and not know how to de-escalate the problem
without looking weak or vulnerable. An intervention allows both students the
opportunity to walk away with dignity, even though they may be in a slight
amount of trouble.
11.
Prevents Others from Joining In –
When a faculty member notices an incident beginning to take place, the quicker
they take action, the less likely other students are going to be able to join
in. When incidents take place in front of large groups of students, the group
may attempt to join in by taunting or
teasing the victim. Quick action on behalf of the
teacher can prevent this from occurring. They can quickly take control of the
situation and put things to rest before anyone else gets involved.
12.
Reduces the Amount of Collateral
Damage – In any bullying incident, there will always be some type of collateral
damage. In many cases, the victim is not the only person who is victimized.
Other students may begin to fear for their safety and, by acting fearful, may
increase their chances of becoming the bullies’ next target. When faculty
members take it upon themselves to intervene, it shows the students, as well as
the bullies, that the harassment will not be tolerated and it will be stopped.
By decreasing the negativity, faculty members actually reduce the feelings of
vulnerability that other students may be experiencing.
13.
Helps to Maintain a Sense of Order – When faculty members and
staff can stand up to bullies, it helps to maintain a sense of order where
students can feel safe and secure. They do not have to constantly worry about
being attacked or threatened by bullies Many schools are encouraging their
staff members to take control of situations in which students or other staff
members are being threatened or abused. By allowing them the opportunity to
intervene, it creates a positive atmosphere where it is well known that any
type of violence will not be tolerated.
For every reason a person can provide that encourages involvement and
intervention, another person can come up with a reason not too. The basic fact
of the matter is that if you don’t step up and take control of the situation,
it can escalate to the point where someone is physically or emotionally
traumatized. Making a stand can be difficult, but, in most cases, if you take the first step and
intervene, others will quickly follow to back you up.
Reporting bullying activity is also equally important. If you notice a
person is being bullied and are in no position to stop the activity,
immediately seek the help of another student, faculty member or adult
bystander. It is extremely important that an intervention occurs as soon as
possible to prevent any damage from occurring either to the person or to
property. It only takes one person taking that first step to change the outcome
of a bullying event. Any of these thirteen reasons why can make that
difference.
The Role of Anti Bullying Speakers
in Schools
The
fight against bullying continues to be a major effort in many primary and
secondary schools around the world. By incorporating a variety of strategies
into their anti bullying programs, schools can make greater headway in reducing
bullying behavior. Such strategies could include:
·
establishing an anti bullying policy
·
forming a school safety committee
·
developing training programs to teach
students and teachers on how to handle bullying
·
inviting speakers to give anti bullying
presentations
Hiring
a bullying speaker can have a positive effect in reducing bullying incidents by
exposing bullying tactics and behavior. A good speaker will educate children
and teens on bullying strategies and challenge students to raise their moral
standard. A youth speaker with experience in bullying issues could help
instigate change to turn the tide in a school that’s struggling with bullying
problems. By scheduling a series of anti bullying talks to cover all aspects of
the problem, schools could make a bigger difference in students’ lives.
Proactive Strategies to Curtail
Bullying
Anti
bullying speakers can be very effective in helping a school reduce their
bullying problem. However, they are but one aspect of combating this behavior.
In combating bullying, schools should have the goal of creating a safe and
accepting learning environment. This requires the sustained efforts of
teachers, students and parents to raise a standard against bullying and
instigate long lasting change.
A
complete bully prevention program that encompasses all aspects of bullying
behavior will be more effective in getting the results schools desire. Such a
program should include:
·
teaching students and teachers how to
recognize bullying
·
creating an anti-bullying policy that
prevents or curtails bullying acts
·
encouraging students to report bullying
·
responding quickly to bullying incidents
·
establishing a support system for
bullying victims
·
offering moral training to bullies to
change their behavior
By
combining these strategies, schools will have greater success in creating the
type of environment they desire. Parents, students and teachers must all be on
board with a school’s anti bullying campaign in order to get effective results.
The Role of Anti Bullying Speakers
in Schools
Youth
speakers can play a key role helping to reduce bullying behavior by challenging
teens to uphold a higher personal standard and live up to their full potential.
Youth speakers have a knack for connecting with young people and getting them
to change. Their messages instill confidence, positive attitudes and self-esteem
into their young audiences to bring out the best in a young person’s life.
Giving teens something to live for is a good way to counter bullying behavior
and its negative effects.
Hiring
the right speaker is key to getting the results schools desire. A dynamic youth
speaker will have greater effect in changing the lives of his or her audience.
When looking for speakers on bullying for their students, schools should seek
individuals with these qualities:
Positiveness
An
anti bullying speaker needs to have a positive and uplifting attitude that
inspires others to listen to what he has to say. His presentation should give
students the desire and vision for raising their personal standard, standing up
for their convictions and making a difference in their school environment. By
planting seeds of hope and optimism, speakers inspire youth to be a positive
influence in society.
Relatability
A
good speaker will have the ability to connect with students and relate to their
situation. He or she will have a genuine interest in helping young people
overcome difficulties in their lives so they can reach their dreams. By being
open and honest with their audience, speakers can engage students into
listening and acting upon the message he has to relay. Even if a speaker’s presentation
is spot on and exactly what teens need, without that connection, the message
could very well fall on deaf ears.
Trustworthiness
A
good speaker will inspire confidence and trust, encouraging students to believe
in his or her message. If a speaker encourages students to report bullying
acts, students should have confidence in following through with this counsel
without fear of reprisals. Anti bullying presentations are meant to inspire
change and action. School officials should be prepared to handle positive
changes and responses an anti bullying speech may bring. Once students obtain
clear and specific strategies for combating bullying, they will need the
support of teachers and parents to put these into effect.
Importance of Content in Anti Bullying
Messages
When
it comes to anti bullying presentations, content is king. A message with great
content will get positive results. Schools should review a speaker’s message
before scheduling him or her to make a presentation so as not to waste their
time. Speakers should ensure the content of their presentation is accurate,
interesting and relevant to their audience in order to hit the mark.
Anti
bullying messages need to reflect faith, positiveness and the ability to
overcome. Speakers should take time to research their subject well so they can
present the latest facts, stories, photos and trends in a manner that’s
interesting and appealing to teens. Once their audience has been engaged in the
content, speakers can present ideas for resolving bullying issues and problems.
Content plays a key role in making all this possible.
Follow
up is an important part of organizing an anti bullying presentation so as not
to lose student attention in resolving bullying problems. Speakers should have
a follow up plan that faculty and staff can continue once the presentation is
done. A good plan will include activities, resources and ideas for resolving
bullying issues in their area.
Benefits of Anti Bullying Messages
The
success of an anti bullying presentation can be evaluated by the long term
effects it has a school’s student body. Schools should expect such favorable
results as changes in student mindsets and attitudes, greater awareness of
bullying acts, greater interest in resolving bullying issues, etc. Anti bullying
talks can also provide emotional support to bullying victims and give them a
more positive perspective of their circumstances.
Anti
bullying presentations are a means of helping schools create a safer
environment that’s more conducive to learning. By reducing bullying behavior,
students have a chance to learn and grow in vocational, academic and social
skills. Bullying and other abusive behavior shows a lack of moral values and
character in a young person’s life. Through anti bully presentations, youth speakers
encourage bullies to change their perspectives and character, adopt higher
standards and make smarter choices for their future.
Although
parents are ultimately responsible for raising their children, schools share in
the job of helping kids grow into productive and responsible adults. Bullying
behavior helps curtail a parent’s and school’s effectiveness in reaching this
goal. Bullying behavior is often the result of poor social skills and negative
mindsets and habits instilled in a young person’s life. By offering children
and teens character development classes and helping them develop social skills,
schools have the opportunity to turn a young person’s life around. Through
their motivational messages and speeches, youth speakers do their part to inspire
change and improve circumstances in a young person’s life.
Celebrities Speak Out Against
Bullies
In
a recent article in the online magazine “Huffington Post”, many celebrities
shared their personal experiences with bullying and how it affected their
lives. Talk show host Tyra Banks suffered verbal abuse as a young student
through name calling. Actor Chris Colfer confessed to being stuffed into school
lockers. Rihanna was mocked for not being “black enough” and the list goes on.
Hearing the difficulties that celebrities faced with bullying in their youth
can help inspire bullying victims today, especially seeing how bullying didn’t
prevent them from establishing successful careers as adults.
By
speaking out against bullying, celebrities add their voice and influence in
support of anti bullying efforts in today’s schools. Their stories give hope to
bully victims that their negative circumstances can change. As the article’s
author so aptly puts it, “Celebrities who speak about having been bullied themselves
are also living proof that sometimes the very thing that brought them torment
when they were younger turned out to be their signature triumph.”
Bullying
in schools may not be totally eliminated in our lifetime, but its effects can
be greatly minimized by victims having the faith, courage and determination to
overcome their situation and move on. Bullying can help weaken or strengthen a
person’s character, depending on the choices they make. By choosing to not let
bullying get the better of them, bullying victims join the ranks of the
overcomers.
