Powerful Actions That Can Reduce Bullying
The Blessing Effect, a youth-fiction novel, is an excellent resource in the effort to help reduce bullying. Too often, bullying occurs because others stand by and do nothing. The U.S. government has conducted a wealth of research and posted their findings and recommended prevention strategies at the site StopBullying.gov.
The website notes that most youth who become targets of bullying have a common trait… being seen as different. And, as a result, some of those kids are also loners or viewed by others as not “fitting in”.
The StopBullying.gov site lists three prevention strategies to combat bullying… one is for “bystanders to intervene on behalf of the young people being bullied”. The post goes on to state that doing so makes a “huge difference”.
That my friends is the challenge for you and me. Let’s seek out those in need of acceptance, and be the ones to make a “huge difference”.
Each of us, no matter what age, demographic, income status, education level (well, you get the picture)… each of us - has a sphere of influence. The question becomes, “What impact are we making in our ‘sphere of influence’?”
Whether your role puts you in direct contact with youth (especially in the Middle School age group) - or if your role places you in an environment where you are around others who in turn are in direct contact with youth - let’s “jump in” and become the difference makers.
How? Good question! One of the answers is to seek out those in need of acceptance, and be kind, caring and present. Let them know you “see” them, value them, and that you care about them. A smile, a hug, or a listening ear can have a significant impact. Invite the person to lunch, or to join you and your friends at an event. Then, when and if you see that others are treating your new friend poorly - stand with your friend. Do not let them be “alone” in a crowd. Remember - research has shown that intervening can make a huge difference.
Let’s be a part of a powerful movement to stop bullying. Let’s be the ones to put The Blessing Effect into motion.
We can change the world!