Stop the bullying by Emily

Stop the bullying by Emily - March 2017 Scholarship Essay

If I was bestowed with the opportunity to give a school-wide speech, the topic would hands down be on bullying and the effects it causes on our students. I have classmates in my school that suffer from bullying and harassment from other students. Some people believe that the words they say and comments they make are merely a joke and is unable to have repercussion, but no one knows what is going on in someone else’s mind. School should be a safe place for everyone; somewhere where one is able to be themselves, without worry of being bothered for it.

Some people may be bullied at home, by an older sibling or a parent; so this causes them to be tempted to take it out on someone they attend school with. This is why someone shouldn't fear the bully, but should talk to the bullier and the victim, perhaps tell a guidance counselor. If there are problems at home, talk to a trusted teacher or guidance counselor so that u could prevent wanting to take the anger out on a peer.

Over 3.2 million students are victims of bullying each year. Approximately 160,000 teens skip school every day because of bullying. 17% of American students report being bullied 2 to 3 times a month or more within a school semester. 1 in 4 teachers see nothing wrong with bullying and will only intervene 4% of the time. 1 in 10 students drop out of school because of repeated bullying. Physical bullying increases in elementary school, peaks in middle school and declines in high school. Verbal abuse, on the other hand, remains constant. By age 14 less than 30% of boys and 40% of girls will talk to their peers about bullying. This number needs to get higher and our generation should be the one to end bullying once and for all.

Cyber bullying may not seem like bullying because it is not in person, but that absolutely still counts as bullying due to the effects of the victim. Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles. Some ways to prevent cyber bullying is by saving the evidence and telling a trusted adult about it.