All children must learn that bullying is nothing but emotional and/or physical abuse of another individual. And no such abuse can be allowed in a civilized society. All adults must support this view and educate their children accordingly. Children will learn if the adults are serious about it.
Most children do not understand that bullying can cause significant long-term impact for the victims. The bullies go on continuing their mistreatment of other children thinking only of the fun they derive from these undesirable acts. But if they truly understood that their actions can cause long-term negative impact for the victims, it is highly likely that they will stop the bullying.
Following several of my presentations around the country I have received emails from students who have stated that bullying had practically stopped after my presentation at their schools. The following are some of the things children take away from my presentations:
- If you treat someone poorly, the impact on that person can be very serious
- If someone is bullied in school, that person can suffer for many years even after school years are over
- Students are able to connect with me easily because I have gone through this myself – I speak from my heart about the impact it had on my life
- Students who do the bullying connect with me since they see that I can understand what they might be going through, because of the discussion on my encounter with a past bully
The bottom line is that if adults can have serious discussions with children about the significant long term impact of bullying, most children will understand and act accordingly.