Bullying is something we have all heard of or experienced at some point in our lives. Bullying is something that needs to be dealt with, and needs to be put to a stop.

My name is Haylee Freeman, I am a sophomore at Gaffney High, and I am 16 years old. Bullying is something I am strongly against. I do not understand why someone would think it was okay to treat others that way. Bullying is a sore topic for me and a lot of other people right now. As a lot of you know, we have recently lost a beautiful soul this past week in our community, and this has really opened my eyes to the need to just be kind to everyone around you. You do not know what others may be facing in their lives, and so the best thing anyone could do is to just be a nice human.

It takes one second to smile at someone, or to give a simple “hello, how are you?” It hurts my heart to know that people right here in our own community bully others like it’s nothing. It is not funny, and not in any way cool. Bullying can lead to so many things. You may think that it’s just a joke, but some people do not take it that way.

Right now, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US. To be mean to someone to the point to where they don’t want to live anymore is awful. That is not the least bit okay, and should not be taking place. Everyone has one life, one chance to make a difference, so don’t waste your one chance by bringing others down. I promise you it will get you absolutely nowhere.

Bullying is not a joke, and if you are being bullied, please alert someone. There are so many people that do care about you. Don’t bring others down just to make yourself look better because in the end, you’re going to end up with guilt and hurt from hurting others.

According to the World Health Organization, close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year. In other words that is 1 person every 40 seconds. That is so extremely sad and painful to hear. Not to mention that for each adult that dies by suicide there are around 20 others attempting suicide. If that doesn’t break your heart, I don’t know what will. You can help stop this though. According to studies done by Yale University, bully victims are 2 to 9 more times likely to consider suicide than non-victims. Being a bully can cause so much mental pain to the victim, and even to the bully. It is not worth it.

Every life matters and everyone should be treated with the respect and kindness that they all deserve. If someone is “different” than you, that still gives you absolutely no reason to bully them. As a Christian I live by the statement that “God created everyone in HIS image and in his love, we are ALL different; no two are the same.” God made each individual in his unique ways and that is up to no one to judge. Bullying is not okay, and we all need to pitch in to help stop it. It’s really not hard to compliment someone, or tell them “hello,” or give them a simple smile. I also live by the idea that we could be the only Jesus someone sees that day, so be the light, be the good example, be the reason someone wants to live. I promise you that WILL go a long way!

What to do if you are being bullied or know someone being bullied?
If you are being bullied, the best thing you can do is tell someone. It is so much better for you to tell someone what is happening and to get help than to try and figure it all out on your own. Holding stuff in makes life so much harder, so trust me telling someone is the best option. If you know someone being bullied, again, tell someone. The best thing anyone can do in that situation is tell your/their parent and or guardian, teacher, administrator, or another trusted adult.

Below is the website for Gaffney High’s page. This link will allow you to go to the section titled “Guidance” where you can access a Bully Report Form. This form is an easy way to report bullying you may be experiencing or that you may see around you. If you see something, say something.

Choose being KIND over being right and you’ll be right EVERY TIME.

https://ghs.cherokee1.org/guidance