Why is Bullying a Serious thing ?
Bullying has been around but we only recently realized that this is a serious thing. Why? Because of its serious effects that the victim and the bully and even the witness to the scene has to face everytime this phenonmenon happens. Bullying is linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental health, substance use, and worse suicide. It is important to talk to someone about this and take immediate actions.
- Kids who are bullied
Kids who are bullied can experience negative physal, school, and mental health issues. Kids who are bullied are more likely to experience:
- Depression and Anxiety, increased feelings of sadness and loneliness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, and loss of interest in activities the used to enjoy. These issues may persist into adulthood.
- Healt complaints
- Decreased academic achievement - GPA and standardized test scores - and school participation. They are more likely to miss, skip, drop out of school.
A very small number of bullied children might retaliate through extreme violent measures. In 12 of 15 school shooting cases in the 1990's, the shooters had history of being bullied.
- Kids who bully others
Kids who bully others can also engage in violent and other risky behaviors into adulthood. Kids who bully are more likely to:
- Abuse alcohol and other drugs in adolescence and as adult
- Get into fights, vandalize property, and drop out of school.
- Engage in early sexual activity
- Have criminal convictions and traffic citations as adults
- Be abusive toward their romantic partners, spouses, or children
- Bystanders
Kids who witness bullying are more likely to:
- Have increased use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs
- Have increased mental health problems, including depression and anxiety
- Miss or skip school
What are the best way to
Deal with bullies ?
Our advice falls into two categories; preventing a run-in with the bully, and what to do if you end up face-to-face with the bully.
- Preventing a Run-In with a Bully
Don't give the bully a chance. As much as you can, avoid the bully. You can't go into hiding or skipping class, of course. But if you can take a different route and avoid the mean kid, do so.
Stand tall and be brave.When you're scared of another person, you're probably not feeling your bravest. But sometimes just acting brave is enough to stop a bully. How does a brave person look and act? Stand tall and you'll send the message: "Don't mess with me". It's easier to feel brave when you feel good about yourself. See the next Tip!
Feel good about you. Nobody's perfect, but what you can do to look and feel best? Maybe you'd like to be more fit. If so, maybe you'll decide to get more exercise, watch less TV, and ear healthier snacks. Or maybe you feel best when you shower in the morning before school. If so, you could decide to get up a little earlier so you can be clean and refreshed for the school day.
Get a buddy (and be a buddy) Two is better than one if you're trying to avoid being bullied. Make a plan to walk with a friend or two on the way to school, recess, lunch, or wherever you think you might meet the bully. Offer to do the same if a friend is having a bully trouble. Get involved if you see bullying going on in your school - tell an adult, stick up for the kid being bullied, and tell the bully to stop.
- If the bully says or does something to you
Ignore the bully. If you can, try your best to ignore the bully's threats. Pretend you don't hear them and walk away quickly to a place of safety. Bullies want a big reaction to their teasing and meanness. Acting as if you don't notice and don't care is like giving no reaction at all, and this just might stop a bully's behavior.
Stand up for yourself. Pretend to feel really brave and confident. Tell the bully to "No! Stop it! in a loud voice. Then walk away.
Don't bully back Don't kick, or push to deal with someone bullying you or your friends. Fighting back just satisfiesa bully and it's dangerous
Don't show your feelings plan ahead. How can you stop yourself from getting angry or showing upset? Try distracting yourself using your phone or
Tell an adult. If you're being bullied. It's very important to let an adult know, like your mom or your adviser even the principal. Bullying is wrong and if everyone communicate and understand situation
What Law is
associated with bullying?
The Republic Act No. 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act
It aims to protect children enrolled in kindergarten, elementary, and secondary schools and learning centers from being bullied.
Of course there are lots of laws that can be associated with bullying. Acts of bullying can stretch from punching to sexual harassment, this means that many law are applicable if the perpetrator is at the right age
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