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The Impact of Bullying and How to Combat It

The first Monday of October kicks off World Day of Bullying Prevention. This story begins in 2007 when a teenager wore a pink shirt on his first day of high school, thinking it would bring him luck. Unfortunately, that choice led to him facing a group of bullies who harassed him for his shirt. However, two brave students witnessed the bullying and decided to take action. They pooled their money together and bought fifty pink shirts to distribute to their peers the next day. This act of solidarity quickly spread among students everywhere, illustrating the powerful impact of collective action against bullying, which has been shown to be a modifiable risk factor for mental health disorders in adolescents [1].

In 2007, Gordon Campbell, the Premier of British Columbia, initiated a provincial anti-bullying day, which gained momentum until 2012 when the United Nations adopted this narrative to promote anti-bullying campaigns worldwide. This movement has resonated globally, highlighting the importance of addressing bullying as a key public mental health priority, as evidenced by various studies on the effectiveness of school-based interventions [2]. Isn't it wonderful how wearing a pink shirt sparked such a significant movement?

1. Post; Do Not Roast

How can you observe this day? Start by learning to express your thoughts without hurting anyone's feelings. Even if someone is wrong, it's crucial to use respectful language. Remember, a person you dislike might actually be liked by others. Strive to be better than your bullies. Instead of retaliating, report their behavior (but don't support it). Bullies won't stop unless they're addressed, as effective anti-bullying programs have shown that intervention is crucial in reducing bullying behaviors [1].

2. Think Twice Before You Type

Let's delve deeper into the concept of 'thinking.'
T – Trustworthy, H – Helpful, I – Inspiring, N – Necessary, K – Kind.

Before hitting send, check if your message aligns with the “THINK” principle. Reflect on what you're sharing and what message it sends to others. Be a true friend, not a bully. If you feel overwhelmed, consider talking to someone you trust. It's important to remember that once something is online, it can have lasting effects, and cyberbullying can lead to significant mental health issues [5]. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

3. Meanness – A Sign of Weakness

Friendly teasing? It doesn't exist. There are several types of bullies, and sometimes we don't even realize we're being bullied until it's too late. People might say hurtful things under the guise of friendliness, making it hard to see the truth. Speak your mind confidently; you deserve to know and understand who is truly in your corner. Maintain open communication and don't let bullies intimidate you. Supportive adults play a crucial role in mitigating the negative effects of bullying on mental health, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment [5].

4. EOB (End of Bullying)

Bullying has been around for as long as humans have existed, and it's everywhere. But so is the capacity to confront bullies. If your mind isn't alert yet, it's time to wake up and arm yourself. Be observant and find ways to guide bullies toward better behavior. But don't let them off the hook. If they escape consequences once, they will only become bolder. Effective interventions can significantly reduce bullying and its detrimental effects, underscoring the importance of proactive measures [2]. Let's end bullying before it leads to tragedy.

In other news, anti-bullying week 2022, organized by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, will run from November 14 to 18 with the theme “reach out.” So, when bullies strike, respond wisely. Reach out; there's always someone ready to listen and help you stand strong.

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