Bullies Aren't Just In School
Every time I turn around there is another article, tweet, post, or status update about anti-bullying.
Yes, bullies suck.
Yes, bullying shouldn't be accepted.
Yes, schools need to vigilant about bullying and do something about it.
But, let's face it.
Bullying is nothing new.
Just look at Cain and Able for goodness sakes. If that wasn't bullying, then I don't know what was!
Every.single.person has met a bully at one point or another in their life. Actually, I'm sure you have met way more than just one bully. Many probably could even name a bully, currently, in their life.
Bullies are everywhere.
Not just in schools.
They're at work.
They're on Twitter.
They're on Facebook.
They're at the beach.
They're at the park.
Bullies are part of life.
Instead of giving that bully all the attention that they so blatantly are trying to attain, why not focus on those who are being bullied. Why not teach our children how to handle the bully? And no, removing them from the school, sport, activity, etc, is not handling the situation. It is totally telling that bully...YOU WIN.
It is horrific to think that some people who are being bullied care so little for themselves that they think there is no other way to escape, but to end their own lives. Beyond sad.
As parents, teachers, friends, we need to help build confidence in our children...in each other. Nobody...NOBODY... should be given the right to tell you your self worth.
While bullies need to suffer consequences those being affected by bullying need even more attention. They need to be taught confidence, self-worth, self-respect. We must focus our attention on building them up. Find something that they excel in and get them involved. Teach them about friendship, how to choose "good" friends and be a "good" friend. Help them find these friends. Listen to them. Don't allow them to shut themselves off. Pull them out the room, unplug the ipod, computer, video games. Show that you care. Let them know they are not alone. Show them they matter. They are loved!
Give them power.
Power to stand up to the bully.
Power to believe they are worth it.
Power to say, "Forget you, bully"
Power to survive!
