[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE5yINOn4N4[/youtube]Did you know that every one hundred seconds a child commits suicide because of bullying? I heard that statistic on ABC last week, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. What a waste! Look at the beautiful, talented and loving children in this video. Bullying consistently slithers into the media. The most recent case, that of 15 year old Australian Casey Heynes, exhibits a world wide social epidemic and the infection isn’t selective. Regardless of race, gender or economic status, bullies plague our society. And the reality is, they are usually as broken as their victims.
I have found that people generally do things for themselves rather thanagainst others.So when someone persecutes or belittles another person, they do so in an attempt to boost their own deficiencies––and the abuse feeds a deep-seated need for validation of their own significance. So teasing and tormenting shows a distinct vulnerability in the abuser, not his or her victim, but the interaction leaves both to walk wounded through their lives. Maybe the old saying “misery loves company” isn’t that far from the truth.
The abuser may have a reason for their behavior, but it’s not an excuse and the persistent barrage can result in life-altering damage––and obviously even death.How many children suffer in silence, too embarrassed, afraid or beaten down to reach out for help or guidance, leaving them with a limiting and damaged self image?Today children face an even more threatening source of persecution. Our technological society provides tormentors with more powerful tools to target their victims. Internet bulling and texting threats give a sense of anonymity to the perpetrator while their attacks slowly decay the victim’s self esteem.Bullying runs rampant across the globe and it’s not just limited to children and school yards. It’s found in the workplace, homes and even sporting events.
Bullying is abuse, and the only way to stop the spread of the infection is through social awareness, support and active participation of every individual. We all need to take responsibility to stop abuse in its tracks. Everyone needs to pay attention to what is happening around them. Don’t just bury your head in the sand. Speak up for the victims and recognize that the abusers need help too. The pattern has to stop and you can help! So educate yourself and take a stand. One person CAN make a difference and together we can move mountains and change the world.
Casi
***There are many websites that help bring awareness to the public. Here are just a few:
http://www.stopbullying.gov/kids/index.html
http://www.parentfurther.com/high-risk-behaviors/bullying?utm_campaign=parentfurther search&utm_medium=search&utm_source=google&utm_term=bullying
http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/emotion/bullies.html