In many school hallways across the country, children and teens are being bullied. Kids are spreading rumors, making fun of other students’ religion, teasing someone for how they look, hurting others because they have a different cultural background, picking on them because they are homosexual or sending harassing messages online. About 77 percent, students are being bullied verbally, physically and other ways. Many adults don’t think that the situation of bullying is grave, but in truth, bullying has affected many teens. Bullying can lead to depression, drugs, alcohol, cutting themselves, and the biggest issue of all, teen suicide. There have been cases of teen suicide related to bullying. While this remains an issue on many campuses, many teens are starting to take a stand against bullying. They have created anti-bullying organizations, posted their stories online, made videos and told stories on the news. These Latinitas share their top tips to creating a bully free zone, preventing bullying or helping someone in need:
Tip#1: “Ignore the people who are bullying you,” recommends Evelyn, age 17.
When other kids or teens are sayings mean things to you or someone that you know, it’s better to ignore those people. Ignoring those people shows that you don’t really care about their comments and that you like being who you are. Also, this helps you to let them know that you are stronger and more mature than fighting back towards them.
Tip#2: “Talk to the bully about their comments,” suggests Marlett, age 17.
Bullies may not know that their words are hurtful. Try talking to the bully and explain to them that their words and actions are not funny, that in fact it hurts and they should stop.
Tip#3:” Tell your parents, an adult, or even a friend, that you can trust,” shares Vanessa, age 17.
It’s important to tell someone that you know about your situation. When you let people know about your troubles; it helps you to let out your troubles and lets them know about the conflict.
Tip#4: “DON’T fight the bully,” declares Marifer, age 17.
Involving yourself with the bully can lead to trouble. Just because the bully made a comment it doesn’t mean you should fight back with the same level of insult, or get into a fist fight. When the bully does an offensive comment, or physical contact, its best to ignore him or her and walk away. Doing this will get yourself out of trouble with the bully.
Tip#5: “Help the ones who are being picked on,” adds Evelyn, age 17.
When someone is being picked on, it’s better for you to help them out. You can help by telling an adult or by defending the victim from the bullies.
Tip#6: “Don’t hesitate to ask for help,” says Vanessa, age 17.
It’s important to ask someone for help. It’s not snitching it’s protecting yourself. If the bully harasses you, tell an adult immediately. You don’t know what might happen next. It is better to be on the safe side.
Tip#7: “Try being their friend,” encourages Cynthia, age 21.
Some bullies intend to bug others because they want attention or because someone else is bullying them. The best way to overcome a bully is try to talk to them and be their friend. If the bully talks about their troubles and says what’s bugging them, it’s likely for them to stop tormenting other people.
Tip#8: “Be careful of your words and actions,” says Evelyn, age 17.
You may not know it but sometimes your actions and words can hurt others, making you a bully. Even if you are just playing around, to the other person may take it as an offensive joke. The best way to avoid being a bully is to keep your comments to yourself and be respectful to the person you are talking to.