Why should there only be one week devoted to bullying?
As a high school student, the everyday pressures are hard enough to handle. There seems to always be a test to study for, a project due, or even some stressful personal stuff going on. So, think about this: what happens when you are constantly being put down or being forced to feel like you have no one to support you? How do you cope? Who do you turn to?
For some teens, they have the option of talking to parents, teachers, or friends. What happens when everyone – even the ones you trust most – turn their backs on you and your problems. For other teens, this is the horror they are facing. Time after time they cry out for help only to be shut down and neglected. And at some point, they crack, turning either to suicide or self medication. As tragic as that seems, they believe this is however, the only way out. This goes on everyday.
Personal experiences taught me that something needs to change. First, I got mad, now, the only way to prevent this from happening to someone else is to get the word out. Well, how do I plan to do this?
People need to realize that small gestures like smiling at a stranger or saying “hi” or “have a nice day” are simple tasks that can make others in this situation believe that someone out there cares. A little hope can go a long way. It can even save someone’s life.
So, why should people have to feel alone in a country that claims diversity and the acceptance of everybody? Everyone has a breaking point, there is only so much a person can handle before they shatter into a million pieces. Let’s work together to provide resources for people in this situation and stop bigotry altogether.
If you or somebody you know needs help or just someone to talk to call 1-800-668-6868.
Isabella Schoolkate
Sardis Secondary School