Bullying advice

I am a Columbia Falls Junior High student. I am worried about how much bullying has happened. Have you been bullied in the past? If not, think about kids who have been bullied. Bullies themselves? So un-predictable.

So then the victims of bullying, their lives can be ruined. Suicide, mental/physical damage, personalities can be changed, personal/social life affected, etc. So why let it continue? Are there ways to stop this? Of course! The following great ideas come from www.stopbullying.gov.

• Treating each other respectfully. Think before you do something that might hurt someone.

If you think you’re being a bully, just find something else to do. Play football, talk to a friend, anything to keep you occupied (not bullying).

Don’t forget, everyone is different in their special way. No better or worse. Finally, if it’s possible that you bullied someone; apologize.

• What to do if you’re bullied: Look at the kid bullying you. Tell them to stop. Say it in a calm, clear voice. If you want to speak but it seems too hard or not safe, don’t fight back. Find an adult to help you out.

• Ways to help someone (or you!) stay safe in the future: Talk to an adult you trust. Don’t hide your feelings. If you want to feel less alone, telling someone can help you. Stay away from places where bullying happens most. Most bullying happens when no one is paying attention. So stay around other people.

• Getting involved: Find out more about bullying happening at the location of where you see it. Find out how to help stop it. The adults probably don’t know about the whole situation. Take your friends with you to build more insistency. Talk to the principle about helping out. Find ways to get notices around the community. Blog. Write a letter. Talk to people. Spread the word. Stop bullying.

Jeramie Stowe

Columbia Falls