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Bullying Prevention Starts with Kindness

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handing a heart cut out of paper to another person

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

A major risk to the mental health of students in school is bullying. Bullying received more attention in the early 2000s. Therefore, action was taken to incorporate bullying prevention curriculum into schools. The PACER organization was founded in 1977 by parents of children and youth with disabilities. PACER founded National Bullying Prevention month in 2006. Every October since then, American communities and schools have put time, energy, effort, and focus into programs that help with preventing bullying. Part of the programs are bullying prevention awareness programs that educate students to deal with it when it happens. 

People Coming Together

At the core of bullying prevention is promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion through events, activities, and education. By focusing on bringing communities together, children can receive the message that no one should ever experience bullying, and if they do, there are supports in place to help them. 

A person who is bullied is in a uniquely challenging situation. Naturally, they want to stop the bully from continuing, but they are also aware and fearful of the repercussions that can come from reporting the bully. It is a complicated situation that requires a great deal of awareness from adults and friends in the community and schools, along with willingness for people to step in when they see anything happening. 

The Problem of Cyberbullying

We know bullying doesn’t only happen in schools and neighborhoods. There is also the newer form of bullying: cyberbullying. Anyone can become a target of negative messages online from people they know, as well as strangers. Cyberbullying became mainstream after online harassment began to result in teen suicides. 

Bullying has a direct impact on mental health. Anti-bullying organizations help get the message out, and the concepts are taught in many schools across the nation. Cyberbullying continues to evolve with new technology and with new platforms, so we must stay vigilant. 

Above all, it’s imperative for families, friends, teachers, and adults to recognize the signs of cyberbullying (as well as bullying in general) and self-harm, and give much-needed support to victims. Parents need to have an open line of communication with their children. They need education on technology, and staying very alert as to how it’s used.

Connection and Inclusion

Ultimately, the preventative measure to bullying is social and emotional connection in homes and schools. It all starts with kindness. We’ve heard that “hurt people hurt people.” We’ve heard that bullies are desperate for caring and inclusion, and that’s one of the reasons they lash out.  

But, we also know that the effects of bullying can be long-lasting for the victims. A bullied child can grow up and carry those wounds with them far into adulthood. The mental health implications are vast. They include fear, anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide. 

Actions to Take to Prevent Bullying

Swift actions can be taken when bullying occurs. Whether it happens to you or someone you know, know what to do. If someone is cyberbullied, capture screenshots. Block people. If they are able to, stand up to the person on their own or with friends. In many cases, that is just too much of a challenge and a safety risk, and that is one of the most difficult aspects of bullying. Reach out to the person being bullied and let them know you do not agree with it. They need to know they are not alone dealing with it. Also, if you witness cyberbullying, don’t participate or share posts or texts. Stop the chain!

Kindness proliferates by teachers in schools, and in group settings. Fun and simple activities can unite people and improve their self-esteem. One person starts and compliments someone else. Everyone participates. You can suggest that people write the best quality of their peer. It can be through an email thread, a group chat, or a video call. To make it anonymous, choose a prompt, have them email the response, and then read the emails over video chat with the class. Or, have students send in the name and comment privately and keep it all anonymous, and read it out to the class. It starts early in life, and it can cascade from there. 

Inclusion Is the Solution

In summary, inclusion reduces bullying. The key to creating a safe and accepting environment for everyone is to provide socially inclusive attitudes, policies, programming, and resources. Parents, teachers, coaches, and other adults are in positions where they are able to notice the signs of mental distress from bullying behavior. Research has shown that some signs are low self-esteem, feeling lonely, and avoiding school. Similarly, these signs apply to adults who are no longer in school. 

Until then, let’s remember how much good kindness does. World Kindness Day is coming up in November, but it should really stay in our hearts every day. It’s just one piece of how to prevent bullying behavior. 

 

By Sofia Kospanos

Sofia Kospanos is a life-long learner, wife, mother, and working professional living in northern Virginia, in the DC metro area. She has always enjoyed writing, and treasures her experiences on her high school newspaper. She loves walking outside, cooking, researching, and reading.

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