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Bullying: A Life Lesson Learned (Part 2)

By: Christine Lulewicz 

With the growing popularity of technology and social networking websites (such as Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, etc.), bullying is also changing. It is no longer limited to schools, offices, playgrounds, and neighborhoods.  The internet can provide access to otherwise private information, and provides a forum for bullies to mock and slander their victims anonymously.  Cyber bullying has been used in many ways ranging from sending threatening emails to posting sensitive pictures and information about an individual on a website.

No matter what kind of bullying you experience, there are many ways to deal with and eventually overcome this problem. Anyone, especially people with disabilities, can benefit from the support and advice that others can provide. As a victim of bullying, I would like to pass on advice to my peers and everyone else dealing with bullying:

First, remember that your self esteem largely depends on you. No one can change you or make you less important. Each one of us, no matter who we are, disabled or not, are special, uniquely created people.

Secondly, if you are being bullied, tell someone you trust about it. Don’t go through it alone. Find a close friend or family member to confide in.

Thirdly, remember that you have the right to stick up for yourself. Tell the bully that what the bully is doing is wrong is not to be tolerated.  By doing this, you will learn that even though you feel afraid and sometimes, you have the power within yourself to overcome anything.

Lastly, if you see someone getting bullied, sometimes the first instinct might be to either ignore it or to join in the bullying. The best thing to do, I believe, is to defend the person, again showing that bullying is wrong and is not acceptable. The person who was bullied will feel happy, knowing that someone has cared for them. In turn, you will feel great about helping someone in need, enhancing your own self esteem.

Bullying may be a part of life and our world, but we have the ultimate choice to decide who we are and the choices we make. I am proud that I have the power within me to overcome this and be the best person I can be.

I hope that you have found this entry to be helpful and that my advice encourages you to be the best you can be, too.

2 Responses to “Bullying: A Life Lesson Learned (Part 2)”

1. Carolyn Hearn says:

   December 7, 2011 at 2:16 am

   Christine, Very well said. Unfortunately, this is a topic many people just choose to ignore. I applaud you for your courage and determination. You are a very sweet, kind person. You are right to feel that no one person can dampen your spirit. Many can learn from you.

   Reply
2. Maria Bottiglieri says:

   December 9, 2011 at 10:29 pm

   Christine: Thanks for your insight. Bullying can become much worse whan it is ignored.

   Reply