Our words are powerful. We may not always realize it, but a simple comment can be internalized and cause pain.
Bullying will always be around us; even in our adult lives we will see some form bullying. However, school will be one of the first places we will come face to face with it.
Bullying touches everyone. It may not be personal but perhaps you saw someone verbally insulting another student in the hallway, or maybe you’ve heard the rumours and mean comments that are made about some students. Either way, we can’t deny it still goes on.
In the past, bullying didn’t gain the attention it does today. Victims of bullying still had a sanctuary when they left school and went home. The physical or the verbal abuse didn’t necessarily follow you.
Today much has changed. We are faced with another serious problem in our world of technology. Thanks to constant connection and social media, victims can find no rest from the hateful words. There’s a power that comes with anonymity, and with that power, there is practically no limit to what a person can say when they have a screen to hide behind.
The comments we leave on social media can have a permanent mark, not just mentally but something like an online record. That’s evidence that our future employers will be able to see, as well as the school we may be trying to apply for.
Bullying will always have long-term effects; it’s something a person can carry for the rest of their lives, victim or bully.
We can take responsibility and take action if we see someone in need. We should speak up when we see something wrong. With the help of an adult or other allies, we can shut down bullying and make a difference in someone's life.
Macy How is a grade 10 student at Brooks Secondary School. Her column, Student Life, appears every second week in Peak Weekender.
