Be a Buddy, Not a Bully

As we get older, we become more and more confortable saying what we think. It’s almost like the filter in our brain has dissolved. I understand that teenagers can get caught up in the new-found freedom of growing up, but you have to remember the feelings of others that you may hurt along the way.

If you are a person that bullies, just remember that the person being bullied will remember what you’ve said or done for the rest of their life. The painful memories of being picked on will be forever burned into the back their mind. Bullying can have a significant influence over the way the victim thinks and actions they take. The consequences of bullying are not worth the power you may feel from participating in the bullying.

If you are a bystander of bullying, don’t be scared to speak up. If you’re too shy to confront the bully directly, comfort the person that has been the victim of the bullying.  You have no idea how much you could help them. Sometimes all the victim needs is to know that someone cares. You could also talk to your school counselor, teacher or coach about the situation. If you are familiar with the bully, talk to them about it but don’t be hostile. If you behave the opposite of how the bully behaves, they will have a difficult time defending themselves.

If you don’t do anything to stop the bullying, you’re just as guilty as the bully.