“Treat others how you would like to be treated,” is something everyone has grown up hearing. Although it’s a cliche, it’s very true. It seems like some people may have missed this lesson or need a reminder. Some people seem to think it is okay to treat others with cruelty, but expect others not to treat them in that way. They fail to empathize with their fellow human beings and decide it is more fun for them to put others down or even cause physical harm than to rise above the petty disagreements that are going to come with teenage life. 

    According to the American Psychological Association, “bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. Bullying can take the form of physical contact, words or more subtle actions.”

   Through a child’s life, they face many challenges. Challenges vary in many different ways for each student, but one challenge could be the possibility of being bullied. While we all have experienced this in one form or another, bullying can have some real consequences.

   Anxiety, depression, increased feelings of loneliness and changes in sleep and eating patterns are all effects of bullying, as well as poor academic achievement- students are more likely to skip, or drop out of school. Bullying has been a major problem for years now, especially at schools. 

  Many kids may experience name calling, and gossiping, even physical abuse; such as hitting or punching. There have been studies that try to get to the bottom of why one may be a bully. According to “What makes a bully,” on the Stomp Out Bullying website, “A common reason that a kid is a bully could be what they are experiencing at home. They may lack attention from others at home due to certain situations. Which can include divorce of parents or parents under the influence of alcohol.” 

   However, your home life is not an excuse. Everyone has their own story, but when it comes down to it, it is never okay to bully someone else no matter what you’re going through. Everyone has their own problems and it is one thing to talk to someone about it, and it is another to take out the anger on another individual. 

   Many schools try their best to be able to point out when a student is getting bullied and try to handle it when it happens, but there is only so much they can do. Schools may send students to ISS, OSS, or have a “stern talk.” In all reality, how will that help? Society could also work together to reduce this problem. Parents should be able to take control of their children when it comes to being disrespectful. Parents also should be comfortable with their kids and talk about bullying, as well as examining the environment their children are currently living in. Parents need to discuss the real results of bullying, such as kids harming themselves or even committing suicide. 

   You should never judge, or bring anyone down for anything. People will live their lives how they see appropriate. Everyone tries to label people and bring them down, thinking they’re better, prettier, smarter, or skinner. It is time that we build each other up, instead of putting them down. Time to grow up, kids!