Helen Chon Cheng Man, aged 17, Form 5
In this day and age, there is no denying the fact that the issue of bullying has become increasingly prominent. According to a study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence in 2019, approximately 50 percent of students in Macau reported experiencing bullying at least once in the past year. Additionally, a survey by the Hong Kong Committee on Children’s Rights indicated that 48.9 percent of primary school students and 44.8 percent of secondary school students experienced bullying during the 2017-2018 academic year. These statistics underscore the widespread nature of bullying and the importance of ongoing initiatives to combat it.
Bullying takes many forms, such as verbal and physical abuse, and can occur in various settings including schools, workplaces and online. Regardless of its manifestation, bullying can cause significant immediate and long-term harm to victims including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts or actions. A recent paper in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry found that childhood bullying raises the risk of panic disorders by 27 times among women and results in an 18-fold increase in suicidal ideation and action among men. Polish aphorist and poet Stanisław Jerzy Lec (1909-1966) once said, “No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible.”, but every individual’s small actions, including those of bullies and bystanders, contribute to the harmful consequences. Thus, we must play our role in preventing and stopping bullying from happening.
Thankfully, it is never too late to take action against bullying. Education is one of the most effective ways to prevent bullying, with schools and workplaces implementing training programmes and providing resources to help individuals identify and confront bullying behaviours. Such initiatives can foster a culture of respect and empathy and empower individuals to intervene when they witness bullying incidents.
For students like us, speaking up and reporting bullying incidents to a trusted adult is crucial. It is essential to understand that reporting bullying is not “tattling” or “snitching,” but a responsible action that can prevent further harm to the victim. Additionally, offering support to the victim, such as sitting with them at lunchtime or chatting with them during recess, can help them feel less isolated and more empowered to handle the situation. Nevertheless, we should actively promote kindness and respect towards others, and not participate in any bullying behaviour ourselves.
If you are currently experiencing bullying, it is vital to remember that it is not your fault. Never let the bullies define your worth. You are unique in your own way and deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. Seek help from people you trust and take steps to protect yourself from harm. Remember, someone who truly cares for you will not see you as a burden.
In summary, bullying has various causes and can have significant negative consequences. As the saying goes, “It’s no use crying over spilt milk.” We must take action now to create together a safer and more inclusive community for everyone. It is never too late, and together we can make a positive difference.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
