Nobody Wants to Be The Big Bad Wolf

Once upon a time Cinderella scrubbed a floor, Sleeping Beauty slept, Snow White ate her apple, Bell fell in love with the Beast, Red Riding Hood delivered the basket, Dorothy took the yellow brick road, and Peter Pan never grew up . . .

We all know these stories from beginning to end. We focus on the happily ever after, somehow not noticing the struggles all of these characters face. Even though all of these stories are quite different, they all have one thing in common. Each one of these characters face a similar challenge that so many youth face today. Each one was a victim of bullying, but what would happen if you’re right of passage didn’t have a happy ending?

Each day 160,000 students miss school, 282,000 students are reportedly attacked, every 30 minutes a teenager attempt suicide. The leading cause of death among children under the age of 14 is suicide. Bullying has become an epidemic in today’s society. That is why it is imperative that today’s youth take a stand to prevent bullying. We are the closest source to the problem and can have the greatest impact.

For such a complicated matter the answer is quite simple. Change starts with you. We all have the power to make an impact on someone else’s life. Our voices are our strongest weapon, if we choose to use them.
There are by far more bystanders than bullies or the bullied. All it takes is one voice in the crowd to take a stand and speak up. It could be as simple as creating a distraction, or even telling the bully “hey dude that’s not cool.”

To say nothing at all makes us accomplices.

Statistics show 50% of bullying can be eliminated with the simple actions of one person.

Youth today need to learn how to recognize and understand this growing situation. There are many different websites available for children, parents, and teachers on ways to handle bullying in your school. These websites also define the many different types of bullying. For example, Cyber bullying- to be bullied on a social network, Physical bullying- physical force to hurt another person, Verbal bullying- when words or gestures are used to hurt another student.

If you are a student facing these situation or similar situations don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Tell your parents, or even a teacher. In the past we referred to this as tattle tailing, but would an adult not seek help if they were being harassed on the job? Just because it’s labeled under a different name bullying is still a form of harassment.

I myself have been bullied. I understand the mental, physical and emotional strains that a person feels by being bullied.

I am here because I want my voice to be heard. I want to stand up and make a change. I want to put an end to school violence and bullying. We as youth might be the problem, but we are also the solution. We do have the power to make an impact.

We just have to find the courage. An act of kindness is the best place I can think to start. Let’s give happily ever after back to today’s youth, after all nobody want to be the Big Bad Wolf.