Bullying Prevention Month takes place every October and is dedicated to raising awareness for the victims of bullying. Bullying occurs more frequently than many realize, ranging from subtle actions like a disapproving glance to more aggressive behaviors, such as physical assault. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 1 out of every 5 middle and high school students reports experiencing bullying. Regardless of its form, bullying is a serious issue that should not be overlooked. The impact of someone’s seemingly harmless words and actions can be severe, sometimes causing someone to take their own life. Bullying is not a light topic, and in all cases, students should be mindful of what they say and do to others.
Several GWUOHS students collectively believe that bullying is a serious matter, and, while Bullying Prevention Month is a step in the right direction, it alone is not enough to raise awareness about the severity of bullying.
Suicide is far more correlated with bullying than one may think. According to a study by Yale University, bullying victims are between 2 and 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims. Junior Olivia T. agrees with this statement, arguing for the devastating impact bullying can have on others.
“I really believe bullying is closely connected to suicide. It’s shocking how many people don’t realize how deeply their words can hurt someone,” Olivia said.
Olivia, who has been bullied before at a much younger age, is sympathetic to victims of bullying and advises them to “stay strong. However, Olivia also recognizes the commonality of bullying.
“I think that kind of behavior can easily happen without realizing its impact on others. When you’re venting or frustrated, it’s easy to get caught up in gossip or negative talk without thinking about how it might affect someone,” she said.
Bullying is that much more dangerous because of how common it is; whether you are talking badly about someone you do not like, or you are trapping someone in a locker, you are committing an act of bullying.
Freshman Samantha M. argues a different perspective: not as a direct victim of bullying but as a witness to its effects. Samantha had a friend who experienced frequent cyberbullying, ranging from being excluded from her online friend groups to doxxing. Samantha discusses the effects the bullying had on their friendship.
“Once she found out about [the bullying], she started being a lot less talkative. She wouldn’t be as happy when we would call, and she also developed an eating disorder because they made fun of her weight.”
As seen by Samantha’s insight, bullying affects not only the direct victim but also the friends and family of that victim.
Bullying is a pervasive problem that affects all aspects of life. Initiatives like Bullying Prevention Month are crucial in raising awareness and combating this issue. However, the fight against bullying should not be confined to a single month. It’s a continuous battle that requires sustained efforts and ongoing awareness-raising initiatives.
Olivia believes that “the idea behind Bullying Prevention Month is great, but… it needs way more visibility and promotion.” Samantha echoes this statement, stating that it is talked about occasionally in October, but after that, it fades out.
To extend the impact of Bullying Prevention Month, Samantha suggests that more journalists contact victims to hear their stories. She argues that bullies often escape consequences, and publicizing victims’ stories could hold bullies accountable and inspire change.
