Bullying Affects More Than Just The Harm Victim

Bullying is a serious issue that affects more than just the immediate victim. On the surface it seems to be just an issue between the bully or bullies and their victims. However if we step back and apply a wide angle view, we will see that acts of bullying are far more reaching. The life of a bully victim is a life of fear, anxiety, and confusion. Every day, the same questions are asked; why is this happening to my? What did I do to deserve this? The victim cannot concentrate in school for fear of being teased, and or physically accosted. This adds to the social awkwardness of any child. One, who was once an outgoing spirit, is now a recluse as they try to hide from the one bullying them. Research has shown bully victims are at an increased risk for sleep difficulties and depression as well (Pacer Center, 2013). We always hear, “you should stand up to a bully.” Well, some children are just not built that way, and that could be one of the reasons they are bullied in the first place. Webster’s new world dictionary defines a bully as “a person who hurts, frightens, or tyrannizes over those who are smaller or weaker” (3rd college edition). As we already discussed the immediate victim, let’s start looking outward. What about the witnesses? If someone were to witness an act of bullying, would they not have a responsibility to report it? Perhaps, but the question arises, what about retaliation? If they tell, they possibly have just “signed” up to be the next victim. They may be torn about making the right decision which has added unnecessary stress to their life (Johnson, 2013). Now, let’s say the incident has been reported. Now we have to first establish that there has been a bullying incident. Will the victim speak up? Perhaps they do. Depending on what school rules, local and state laws are applicable; there is a process that is started. Parents have to be called. What if there is a single parent who can’t make to school because of work? What if there is a no tolerance rule and the bully is suspended from school? Who will stay …show more content…
His family just moved from California to Mississippi. As he starts the school, he quickly realizes that students don’t talk the same as he does. He further realizes that the students are not as cordial as the students back home. As the anxieties build he realizes he is now surrounded by a group of kids who are teasing a taunting him because he “talks proper.” As he tries to walk away, he is pushed from the back, and falls to the floor. This was the first of many. This situation ended involving the parents of all the children involved several teachers, witnesses, the principle, and the superintendent of the school district. All because a few students, for whatever reason thought they had the right to ridicule another student because of a few differences. Is this from the latest show on ABC Family, or an after school special movie? Negative! This is a day in the life of Edward Wright from the year 1984. I believe that the more people become aware of just how much of an impact bullying has on society as a whole; more will be done to combat this problem. We can no longer take the position that if it is not happening to me that it is not my problem. Bullying is everyone’s problem, and we all need to work together to find a