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Bullying: Can We Do Something About This?

It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to request your help. It’s the start of another school year and already two teen suicides have been caused by bullying.

Isn’t it time we all do something about this? Whether you’re in media, politics, policing, education, entertainment or just a student like me, we all need to stand up and speak out against bullying. We must work together to stop bullying!

Bullying is a hate crime… plain and simple.

My name is Ceilidh Millar and I’m a youth reporter. As a teen journalist, it is important to use my voice to advocate for others. I need YOUR help… I need YOU to raise YOUR voice to speak out against bullying. Please don’t wait until Pink Shirt Day or the next tragic headline. Do something… NOW!

What Can YOU Do? Tips to Prevent Bullying:

• Don’t partake in making fun of others and high-school gossip. By doing this, you’re also giving permission to having it done to you.
• Don’t practice exclusion. By leaving students out, you give others the right to exclude you too.
• Straight kids, speak up against gay bashing.
• Use social networks such as Facebook and Twitter to educate, raise awareness and speak out against bullying.
• Extend a hand of friendship to a kid who is lonely.
• Promote acceptance and understanding.
• Write a letter to your school’s administration and school board. Demand a district wide policy of zero tolerance for bullying.
• Write provincial and federal politicians demanding an anti-bullying law be put in place.
• Instead of putting someone down, build them up. You’ll both be the better for it!

Don’t Empower Bullies
Bullies aren’t just the knucklehead thugs who shove their victims into lockers. If you’re an observer or bystander who doesn’t speak up for what is right, you too are victimizing that student further through your inaction. Don’t empower a bully by giving silent permission to torment and victimize another human being.

Educate Others
As in any form of prejudice or hate, bullying stems from lack of knowledge and ignorance.  We all need to educate by teaching acceptance, respect and understanding.

Lead
Lead by example. Welcome everyone into your group and create a diverse and awesome circle of friends! When we share our lives and learn together, this enables us to see past our differences and discover our similarities!

Please speak up for all the Mitchell Wilsons and Jamey Rodemeyers in this world!

“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful, optimistic. And we’ll change the world.
-Jack Layton, 1950 - 2011