I was lucky enough to be involved with the "Beat Bullying" campaign, and even trained to be a cyber Life mentor. Beat Bullying is a fantastic charity that helps thousands of people each day.
Bullying is sadly extremely common these days. Meet anyone, and 99% will tell you they feel they have been the victim or bullying or some sort of cruelty in their life. But this got me thinking. If most people are claiming to have been bullied, who is doing the bullying? If so many people are against bullying, why does it still happen? I have never met anyone who has told me they are FOR bullying.
I have been thinking about this for a while now; and have come to the conclusion that bullying starts from us. Yes, you and I. If you are someone who believes they are not contributing to the problem, stop reading now. And well done on being so lovely, amazing and perfect. Well done for never saying a bad word about anyone or anything unprovoked. Well done for not slating someone to a friend for no particular reason. Well done for sticking up for someone who you feel is being wronged when it's right in front of your face.
I hope I don't come across as arrogant when I say that. But I think the first step is people admitting more needs to be done and we need to start with ourselves. (Yes, myself included. I am definitely not up on some ivory tower here.) I think we can all say we have said something bad about someone at one time or another behind their backs. I think the worst thing about bullying is sometimes, some people don't even realise they are doing it. And this is where things need to change.
The next time you feel you are saying something about someone who has not done you any harm, think to yourself- why? Is it kind? Would you like someone to say it about you? If it got back to the person, would it hurt them? And more importantly, why do you want to hurt that person? If there is no real reason, I suggest you think about your actions.
Of course, as humans we annoy each other now and then. This is completely normal! But at what point does it become victimising and just not necessary? I feel we need to become more aware of our actions and words.
Don't get me wrong. There are some people in life who are cruel and unkind. Some people are bullies. 100%. And no one understands why. I am completely aware that people have undergone some absolutely cruel victimisation and in the worst case- bullying that has led to suicide. I hope no one ever feels they are alone and isolated. I hope no one ever feels that there is no one there to help- there is. I promise you. People do care.
Never feel your problem is too big or too small. Every problem matters, no matter how insignificant you may feel it is.
This is where Beat Bullying comes in. Beat Bullying has reached out using a tool that most people use today- the internet. They offer help and support in the form of fully trained, lovely online mentors and counselors in a pretty awesome chat room. They want to help. If you're having a bit of a bad day, or you don't know who to turn to- speak to them. They even help if you're worried about someone else! Simply visit the Beat Bullying chat room here: http://www.beatbullying.org/
Don't worry about people knowing it's you- it's anonymous!
If you have a bit of free time on your hands, why don't you sign up to become a mentor?!
All mentors are fully trained. Sign up here for any information on training sessions that may be in your area soon: http://www.beatbullying.org/gb/get-involved/become-a-mentor/
Mentors are aged 11-17 and have been trained by BeatBullying staff to support and help other young people. They can help by chatting about general stuff, or by talking about something that’s worrying you. They can also tell what sections are where on the site.
LifeMentors are just like mentors, except they are aged over 18. They can remember what it feels like to be a young person and are great if you want to talk to someone who’s a little bit older.
PS before you go, do something positive! Check out the Beat Bullying Big March here: http://bigmarch.beatbullying.org/
Let's put an end to bullying.
Opinions are my own and in now way affiliated with Beat Bullying Charity.
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