Sandra Washington

 

TEEN'S PERSPECTIVE - Dealing with Bullies

by: Nicole Cunningham (Macintosh Middle School)

Have you ever been harassed or bullied in your life? Your answer would probably be yes. Approximately 30% of teens in the United States are bullied, are the bully, or even both. Bullying can sometimes have a great impact on your life. It can affect how well you do in school and your social life which can cause dramatic changes. Ten percent of teens in the United States are bullied on a regular basis. Are you one of those people?

Too many teens aren’t telling anyone about their bullying problems and are getting physically or verbally abused. Girls tend to use words to bully and boys usually use physical abuse.Most teens who are being bullied feel insecure and can even avoid school from fright of what the bully might do to them.

Some of the most common reasons for bullying are from jealousy, family problems and drinking and/or smoking. A bully might envy your grades, your looks, or your personality a lot more than theirs. For that reason they express hatred toward you. Another reason for bullying is a problem in the family. Are your parents divorced? A parent break-up might lead a bully t take their depression and anger out on you. Drinking and smoking can also cause bullying behavior. Drugs can poison their minds into thinking of things that are radical and unbelievable. What reason do you think the bully is doing this to you?

Teens that are bullied are most likely to have depression when they become adults. You’re probably thinking that you don’t want this to happen to you. So,what can you do?

Always stay confident in yourself. Never droop your head or look like you’re at the bully’s mercy. Try to avoid places you know that the bully hangsout. That way you’re less likely to cross their path. Never carry a gun or any other weapon to defend yourself because that will just get you in trouble. The #1 thing you should always do is talk to someone you trust. Even if you see a person being bullied,go and tell someone because it’s kept confidential. Remember that you are never considered a coward or a tattle-tale for stepping to the next level and speaking up.

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