The Last Straw

We all reach a point when we say, "Enough is enough! I can't take this anymore!" By definition, bullying is a repetitive action, meaning it happens over and over again. It's this repetitiveness of bullying, which I like to call the "daily grind," that can really affect people so much!

Many times we can't tell what the last straw is for somebody and we don't always know how our words and actions may affect another person! One small insult or sarcastic comment gone awry could send someone over the edge, while a smile or other gesture of concern and kindness could save them from reaching that point.

There's Hope, Really!

So I've talked a lot about the bad stuff. But there's good, too!

I don't think people are born "bad" and wanting to hurt other people. I think we can make a difference if we start teaching kids from a young age. We can't just tell them bullying is wrong. We have to tell them why.

Everywhere around us we see so much violence whether it be on the television or in video games that I feel we have become desensitized to pain. People need to be reminded that violence is not actually commonplace. In the real world, when people are violent, it has big consequences.

Kids, parents, and schools need more resources to teach about bullying. Where I live in Massachusetts, I helped pass one of the most comprehensive anti-bullying laws in the nation. Because of this legislation, all schools must have programs in place for anti-bullying as well as mandatory reporting by teachers. Schools cannot choose to ignore a bullying problem, they must act.

Ending bullying is really a community effort and the more we spread the word, the harder and harder it will be for people to simply put it aside as "kids being kids." I guess some people call me an idealist for my optimistic hope for the future, but I think we need to stop focusing on the negative and start thinking about the positive. If we live our lives in goodness, we will be able to share that with others around us!

I realize that I may not be able to end bullying forever. But I believe I can help spread support and resources across the country — and maybe the world someday. Then kids just like me know that they are never alone when facing bulling. There will always be somebody, somewhere willing to listen and to help!