October is National Bullying Awareness Month, and as I’ve stated before, this should be a year long campaign. I recently watched the documentary, Audrie & Daisy which discussed two teenage women who were sexually assaulted, then later bullied. Sadly, Audrie Pott committed suicide because of the bullying, and Daisy attempted it several times. This seems to be a rising alternative to teenagers who are bullied. It breaks my heart hearing such stories, but even when I was a kid, I knew a guy in my school who took his life because he was taunted at school. I, myself, was taunted, and even today I’ve noticed adults bullying others in workplaces, online, or anywhere.
This month, I plan to share stories, statistics, and ways in which you can stomp out bullying! Feel free to share your own stories, let’s open up a discussion.
First, let’s talk about the different types of bullying. (courtesy of Stomp Out Bullying)
Physical Bullying is the most obvious form of intimidation and can consist of kicking, hitting, biting, pinching, hair pulling, and making threats. A bully may threaten to punch you if you don’t give up your money, your lunch, etc.
Verbal Bullying often accompanies physical behavior. This can include name calling, spreading rumors, and persistent teasing.
Emotional Intimidation is closely related to these two types of bullying. A bully may deliberately exclude you from a group activity such as a party or school outing.
Racist Bullying can take many forms: making racial slurs, spray painting graffiti, mocking the victim’s cultural customs, and making offensive gestures.
Sexual Bullying is unwanted physical contact or abusive comments.
Cyberbullying is one or a group of kids or teens using electronic means via computers and mobile phones (emails, Web sites, chat rooms, instant messaging and texting) to torment, threaten, harass, humiliate, embarrass or target another kid or teen.
The StompOutBullying.org also has a HelpChat for kids & teens if they need to talk to someone. If you or anyone you know is in a crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the GLBT National Youth Talkline at 1-800-246-PRIDE (1-800-246-7743).
Let’s end bullying!!
Carrigan
Carrigan Richards 
It’s horrible and pervasive but I feel hopeful because it is being addressed. When I was a child, kids were labelled “rats” if they went to an adult about bullying. Almost all the time, the adult did nothing anyway. Sometimes they agreed with the bullies. I know more than one person whose life was altered or destroyed by bullies. I’m especially grateful that children, and adults, are being taught strategies for addressing the issue of bullying.
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I agree Bonnie. I didn’t go to anyone when I was younger, except my dad. I remember calling him daily when I got off the bus, crying because girls were picking on me. He always told me to tell them that they were just jealous and try to ignore them. Luckily, I changed schools, but not before a girl grabbed me by the throat. Teachers didn’t do anything, unless they saw it or saw physical evidence.
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I’m so sorry that happened to you.
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