Be Proactive, Not Reactive
The “Be a buddy, not a bully,” slogan spans posters located across many hallways here at Calloway County High School.
At CCHS, it is important to make sure no student feels mistreated or oppressed. Students come from all types of backgrounds, but there are many commonalities. For example, students want to feel like they belong. When a person is singled out or excluded by his or her peers, bullying is often the culprit.
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, in 2019, one out of every five students reported being bullied. That number is too high. Many are left wondering, “What can I do about it?” Well, as a student sharing the classroom with many other people, take note of your peers. The person next to you could be a victim of bullying, and you could stick up for him or her. When we let bullying continue, we become a part of it. The effects can be life altering. We may not even know about bullying until the effects cause permanent damage, such as self-harm, severe depression, or worse.
As a student, you can be proactive and not reactive, and help make a change in schools when it comes to the issue of bullying.
Bullying can become present in a variety of spaces and people's lives. It can be seen online or in the classroom. People of different races, sexualities, and genders can be victims of bullying as well. Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices. This includes using the internet to send threatening messages, to attempt to intimidate, or to harass someone. Cyberbullying is even seen on Instagram pages and used to target specific people “anonymously”.
Alongside this, in a classroom, students can also be a victim of bullying through unwanted words or actions by others. Furthermore, Lena Suarez-Angelino, a clinical social worker who specializes in bullying, said, “One of the most common reasons kids are bullied is because something about them makes them different from the majority.” Kids who are simply “different” get targeted the most. This stereotype needs to change.
As a student, you have the biggest opportunity to make a change in school, when it comes to bullying. One simple way to make a change includes being vocal. If you take the time to talk about the issue, you are making a change and being proactive without much effort. Furthermore, you can take the time to educate others and to speak out about the issue. You can also be an active student and report what you see.
If you see someone being bullied, do not be a bystander. You can report the bullying by going to any trusted adult or report it anonymously to the S.T.O.P tipline, which be accessed through the Calloway County School Website. Finally, you can be simply kind and create a welcoming environment for everyone. Take the time to be inclusive and cordial to others.
The effects of bullying can vary, but they all have one thing in common. Bullying leaves a negative influence on someone's life. Bullying can affect the social, emotional, academic, and mental aspects of someone's life. Whether you take the time to be vocal or just be kind, you are one step closer to creating change in your school environment. Students have the power to make a positive change, so act on it.
