How far does a student need to go to avoid the harsh treatment of their peers? Schools have debated how much is too much, when it comes to bullying. As young individuals become more critical over their self-image so does their perception of others. They become fixated with images of perfection and believe anyone different from them should be treated with disrespect. Bullying has become an epidemic in schools, cyberspace, and even at home. We need to take preventive measures to stop bullying and make a difference in young peoples lives.
It is no doubt that schools have insufficiently stopped bullying in schools. There have been numerous cases where students have committed suicide due to taunting and physical violence. One case in particular involved a high school freshman named Phoebe Prince. She committed suicide after six teenagers harassed her about where she came from. The article stated,“ … relentless activities directed toward Phoebe to make it impossible for her to stay in school … far exceeded the limits of normal teenage-related quarrels.” The primary actions were done on school grounds, during school hours. School staff members, administrators, and teachers were aware of the violence, but did nothing to stop it. Another case involved college freshmen, Tyler Clementi, who jumped off a bridge after his roommate streamed his intimate encounter with another man. Later the roommate posted comments that he was the one that streamed the live video. Parents were outraged over the lack of school involvement. The student was later charged with invasion of privacy.
Young individuals are inflicted everyday by bullies in school, but a new form of bullying has lead its way into mainstream America, cyber bullying. Cyber-bullying has become another way for students to harm another. It includes text messages, websites, and other interactive technologies. This type of harassment is most devastating because it follows them around the social interface. There are two types of cyber-bullying: direct attacks and cyber-bullying by proxy. Direct bullying is sending messages straight to that person. Cyber-bullying by proxy is getting someone else involved, usually that said person does not know they are being used. Students get creative with the content they put up on websites. They can post links to pictures, the student’s personal web site, and write hurtful statements about other students. On one case in particular was about a thirteen-year-old boy named Seth Walsh. He received taunting messages on his phone, received hurtful emails, and comments on his MySpace page about being gay. He tried to kill himself by hanging himself from a tree. He died eight days later while on life support. When the kids were later questioned they said, “They had never expected an outcome such as this.” As parents, school officials, and friends we need to understand that any form of bullying is negative. We need to stop bullying in its tracks. They need to consider outreach programs that are geared toward positive feedback in the classrooms. Parents need to monitor their children’s access of social networking sites.
Bullying comes in many forms and quarrels at home are no different with constant sibling rivalry. It is true that fights and bickering with brothers or sisters is inevitable. Some studies show that sibling relationships can provide positive and negative social skills. The positive behavioral skills include learning mediation skills, empathy, and respect toward others. The negative expects include a high level of violent behavior and transfer this behavior at school. They experience social problems with other children. Benefits from family relationships have the biggest impact. It is important for individuals to understand that even family relationships take a toll on children.
As bullying increases, the need of preventative programs needs to develop. Schools cannot ignore that more and more students are being ridiculed by their peers. Cases like Tyler Clementi and Phoebe Prince are examples of how far bullying can take a person. They become depressed, socially isolated, and even commit suicide. As for cyber-bullying, it is a new form of bullying. Cyber-bullying by proxy and direct cyber-bullying are this generation’s form of violence. The messages they post can be seen by anyone and become a daily reminder to the student that it is geared toward. Violence can come in many forms, whether it is at school, over the Internet, or caused by someone at home, violence against anyone needs to be stop. Only we can stop the abuse towards our peers.
