Webster’s Dictionary defines bullying as “the abuse and mistreatment of someone vulnerable by someone stronger, more powerful, etc.”
I think this definition could use some work. Calling the bullies “stronger” and “more powerful” makes it seem as though the victims are weak and unable to stick up for themselves. More times than any, bullying victims can stand up for themselves. However, for some, they get worn down over time so they stop trying to fight back.
In my opinion, a better definition would be, “cruelty and mistreatment of vulnerable people at the hands of those who view themselves as superior.”
According to a 2023 UNESCO study, 30% of the world’s students have fallen victim to bullying. 30%. It’s important to acknowledge that this is just an average. This number may be higher or lower depending on the school and the students.
Bullying can come in many forms, from physical harassment, to name-calling, to backstabbing, and more. Regardless of the form, it should be taken seriously. Bullying isn’t just something that should be swept under the rug. Schools, fellow students, and parents all should do everything in their power to prevent bullying.
According to a Yale University study, teenage bullying victims are 2 – 9% more likely to consider suicide than non-victims. This is a large number, especially considering the number of teens who have fallen victim to bullying at some point or another. We need to do everything we can to eradicate bullying and ensure that the proper resources are being provided to both victims and perpetrators.
I know I’m just a voice behind a screen spewing numbers, lists, and statistics at you, but this is something that is very personal to me. Not only have I been a victim of bullying, but many people that I love have been victims. Collinsville High School is luckily much better at handling bullying than many schools I’ve heard of nationwide. However, there is always room for improvement, especially from the student body.
“So how can I make a difference?” You might find yourself asking.
For one: if you are a bully, get some counseling, hug someone, take other people’s feelings into account. Do your part. If you’re struggling through something and you think your only outlet is belittling others, you are deeply mistaken and deserve to be able to find the help you need.
If you’re a victim, fight back. Not physically, but do everything you can to make your story heard. The more people who come forward and discuss this issue, the better. Your story can make a world of difference to victims who are just like you. We all need help, and we all deserve to be heard.
And if you’re an innocent bystander, speak out against the things you see and hear. The amount of horrible things I know you all hear in the hallways on a daily basis is insane. Talk about it. Spread the word. Always keep your eyes and ears open. You never know, you could be the one making a positive difference in someone else’s life.
