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I believe bullying will be around until man can learn to accept all people no matter where they come from, what path they walk or have walked. Society mandates too many vain, petty, ignorant, irrational and insignificant rules. These rules adversely affect people causing a variety of insecurities, some of which can manifest as cruelty in one form or another. Bullying will also continue to plague this society as long as you have those who grow up to utter things like, "they're just kids," or "they'll grow out of it," or "I was bullied, and I survived," ... etc., etc., etc., and then turn the other way. Or worse, they've grown up, still bullies, and pass that behavior on to their own children. Bullying will continue to plague this society as long as there are parents and other adults from all corners of society who do not condemn the behavior, and teach future generations that differences are natural and normal, and that no one is a lesser being than another. It's sad that we can all relate to being bullied....

Bullying Bullying is a problem for everyone, sooner or later, at every age and stage of life. Sometimes it's subtle and other times it's very direct. In short, a behavior becomes bullying when a person "triangulates," which means bringing one or more other person(s) in to act against the victim. Others may have behaviors we don't like, such as racism, but this is their problem, not yours. However, we have a right and obligation (bystander) to call out bullies because it creates an unsafe emotional space for all. Let's take a closer look . . . What Is And Is Not Bullying Bullying Telling others not to sit by or talk to someone just because you don't like them. Intimidating others into liking or disliking others. Shaming others about their weight or body shape. Intimidating others into following fads. Intimidating others into not accepting others based on racism, nationalism, ethnicism or gender. Spreading lies and rumors. Not Bullying Choosing to not sit by or talk to someone you don't like. Allowing others to make their own choices about whom to make friends with. Choosing to not be friends with someone based on the fact they are friends with someone you don't like if they do not agree to not talk about you with their friend. How To Handle Bullies Do not answer back. Do not look at them. Turn away from them, but discreetly keep an eye on them for safety's sake. Do not talk about them or the situation except with people that you are absolutely sure are trustworthy (people you know who won't repeat what you say to the bully or the bully's friends). Realize they will turn on somebody else, when they no longer have access to you. You are not the first, nor the last they will bully! Remember, everyone has been bullied at least once in their lives. Listen to music through headphones/ear buds to help you tune them out. Being the victim of bullying is not your fault! Be polite and respectful calling out bullies for bullying behavior. Do not be surprised if they deny it or outright lie about it. Be careful not to be a bully yourself. Why Do They Bully? Insecurity Self-dislike, or worse, self-hate Abuse survivor without getting counseling or some other kind of help for it Bullied themselves while growing up Mental illness Attempting to raise their "worth" to their friends Power struggle - they fear others will like you more than them They bully when their victim does not expect it, so their victim will be slow to respond. They will try to bully when you are in an enclosed environment, such as working behind the counter, riding the bus, co-working in a small office, etc. They confuse being aggressive with being assertive. Preventing bullying is the best way to address the problem. Allowing it to progress makes our community more and more unsafe, both emotionally and physically, for everyone. Anti-bullying education should start with parents, as part of a strongly recommended marriage/parenting and family life class for everyone. Children often get their first taste of bullying in sibling rivalry. Sibling rivalry has to be addressed early very pro-actively in a consistent, gentle but firm manner. We won't be able to rid bullying entirely out of our lives because it's driven by insecurity, that we all experience on occasion, but it can be greatly minimized, by mindful living. Would love to hear from others who have been bullied and how you handled it. Thank you.