My school had anti-bully week a few weeks ago. I decided to learn a little more about anti-bullying and different clubs there are for it. I was astonished to learn that 4,400 deaths per year are due to bullying. I decided to ask people on Whyville about what they think about bullying.
Mariet97: Have you ever been bullied/been a bully?
Smilie255: Yes, actually both sadly. I was in grade two and me and my best friend would call a girl lache (stupid) and would make fun of her style.
Rosi1451: Mmm, when I was in kindergarten I was called names and received the occasional punch. Besides that everyone ignored me. I'm home-schooled now, so whatever. I'm not going to lie, I have said some rude things via the Internet. I like to think I've matured since then, though, and have apologized to the ones I've offended.
Business4: Yes. I have been bullied before, since I'm that typical weirdo awkward shy nerd that sits in the corner and acts "different".
Mariet97: Do you think schools are required to educate students on bullying prevention?
Smile255: Yes and no. Yes because it helps the kids prepare I guess but no because they didn't help me at all.
Rosi1451: Absolutely. If you don't speak about it, it'll just go on in silence.
Business4: I don't know about required, as in by state law and all. Most likely they are required, as we always get a bullying unit in health class.
Mariet97: What do you think we can do to prevent bullying?
Smile255: Stand up, I always do. Put the bully in there own shoes and say the last word.
Also, start a bullying club at your school. Hold meetings, ask to talk in assemblies.
Rosi1451: I don't think we'll ever be able to fully prevent bullying, but actually helping kids who are bullied is a good way to lessen it. A lot of bullies are being hurt too.
Business4: I think that we can educate students even more than we do now on the horrible effects of bullying. Really try to show them how it hurts, show them the perspective from the person being bullied.
Mariet97: What would you do if you saw someone being bullied?
Smile255: Stand up, tell the bully they are being jerks (insert other mean and heartfelt things) then comfort the victim.
Rosi1451: Defend them, get the victim somewhere safe, then find an adult.
Business4: I really, really wish I could stop the bully. I really want to do something. But for sure, I'd be too shy, and I wouldn't do anything.
Mariet97: Do you think there is a link between childhood bullying behavior and anti-social behavior in later years?
Smile255: Definitely, the victim was probably told that they aren't good enough, no one likes them, etc. Causing them to trust very few people.
Rosi1451: Yes. People believe things they hear about themselves if they hear it often enough. You're told no one loves you? You grow up hating yourself. Everyday someone called you ugly? You constantly think you're hideous. Children believe what they're told.
Business4: I believe that yes, there is somewhat of a connection. Not a definite "if you bully you'll be antisocial" connection, but still one. They don't know how to treat people when they're kids, they'll have trouble learning how social interactions really go.
Author's Note: Thank you Smiles255, Rosi1451, and Business4 for taking the time to answer these questions.
