A Culture of Bullying

I do not talk about it much, but I was bullied when I was in grade school.  I distinctly remember being a victim while in 5^th and 6^th grades.  Reflecting back, I can understand why I was an easy target.  I was at the bottom on the food chain academically and unusually tall making my very uncoordinated.  My name did not help; my nick name was “cow brain.”  Then there was our family car.  While other dads drove Ford, Chevrolets or Dodges, my dad drove a 53 Willys.  Fortunately, the taunts stopped when I got to junior high and a couple of the antagonists transferred to other schools.  Still, I carry the memories with me.  As a school counselor had my radar up and watched for any students who might be a victim of bullying.

While bullying is still an issue a school environment, it probably carries more impact today.   While most of my classmates were aware of my plight, thanks to social media it might appear to today’s victims that the whole world knows.  Instagram is the social media site favored my most teens  It is projected that 80% or more of today’s middle and high school students are on Instagram.  The social media site allows individuals to make anonymous comment, and even form groups for the purpose of taunting others.  Coupled with the reality that everyone else seems to have a perfect image online.  After all, who is going to post uncomplimentary pictures of themselves.  Social media is a blessing and a curse.  It is no surprise that recent studies point to the reality that teens who are bullied are twice as likely to attempt suicide. 

Parents and school personnel cannot shoulder the responsibility for stopping bullying.  All of us need to have our eyes open watching for signs of bullying.  One sign is teens who seem to be isolated or by themselves.  It is especially important that we watch for those indicators in teens that are close to us.  Even as older adults we can help by offering encouraging words and by lifting them up in prayer.  We can also combat the issue by not becoming part of the culture of bullying ourselves.  Our words should always convey love, not hate and intimidation.