It’s a Pandemic: Bullying

     We see or read about it more and more every day in the news.  Young people seem to feel that there isn’t much to live for because of other young people’s cruelty.  What makes teens so cold hearted that they only feel greatness from somebody else’s pain?  Do these bullies feel remorse if they are the one that taunted their peer to their grave?  I have so many questions because I simply only have theories and still no understanding of bullying. 

     Something that I learned when I was a teen who got picked on from time to time was that teen years and high school are only a tiny little stepping stone in what can be an awesome life.  Once I realized that I wouldn’t have to deal with harassment or being teased from time to time, things didn’t bother me.  In fact, it gave me the strength and courage to stand up for myself if needed.  These young people need to know this.  We need to give them hope for tomorrow.  They need to know that this is not forever.  There is a whole world out there to live a beautiful life in; it doesn’t consist of the locker lined, four walls hell hole that some call school. 

     Kids and teens also need to be taught kindness and love.  I personally feel better about myself (and always have) by lifting somebody up rather than knocking them down to the ground.  Just because somebody looks different, is into different things, is gay, straight, or by...?  None of this is grounds to be mistreated.  Every human being on this earth is different in some way or another.  But you know what?  That is what makes this world so amazing.  If we were all alike, life would be boring.  Everybody has their own story and their own believes and their own reason for why they are the way they are.  What if that kid you bullied to their grave was the one that would find a cure to cancer in the future?  But you killed them because you didn’t understand their religion or something. 

      Every person is entitled to life.  And every person needs encouragement from time to time but especially young people.  Why isn’t more done about bullying?  I know that school officials have to know about it before it gets to the point of suicide.  We need zero tolerance when it comes to bullying to help save lives.  Parents, if you suspect your child is a bully, please try to end this.  Not only is it harmful to other kids at the moment, it can also turn into an ugly cycle in life.  Parents, if you suspect your child is the victim to bullying, please let them know that there is so much more to life.  Encourage any talents that they may have or promote a new hobby.  And to all parents, please spread kindness and love and dissuade against this epidemic we call bullying.