As people, we must take action against the issue of bullying
because of Depression, self harm, and insecurity issues. It's
a serious topic that people just let slip from their mind.
It's not a joke, it's not even funny at all yet so many
treat it as if it is. It's unbelievable that the amount
of damage that bullying causes is still remained unnoticed. You
need to notice it, we ALL need to notice it. Most people
don't understand that a temporary action could leave a
permanent scar.
“Bullying can be avoided and you’re weak if
you let yourself get bullied.” I have heard so many
people say things so similar to this. I understand that everyone
is entitled to their own opinion, but I’m sorry, what? You
are not weak if you’re bullied. Bullying is not a
“way of life” and it should not be tolerated.
Bullying causes so much and so many kids stay home from
school because of it. 20 percent of teens will experience
depression before they reach adulthood. Fifteen out of that
twenty percent have depression due to bullying. Words that are
said have an ever lasting affect on someone. Depression just
doesn't disappear one random day. A person could seem
so happy but they could be going through so much more than anyone
could ever imagine. The statistics say it's twenty percent,
but that's just reported cases. So many people are keeping it
to themselves because they're afraid of what people will
think of them. There's hundreds, maybe even thousands
of people in the world who are dealing with depression
Sixty-five percent of the kids who have self harmed have done it
because they were bullied. What if you knew you were the reason
behind the scars on someone's body? The saddest part is
a good portion of you wouldn't even care. Part of you
aren't even listening to this right now, because you just
don't care. Let this sink in, 1 in 5 teens have though about
suicide, about 1 in 6 had plans for suicide, and more than 1 in
twelve had attempted suicide in the last year due to bullying.
“I don't think I was ever trying to kill myself but I
knew that if I'd ever gone too far...I wouldn't
care.” said, Demi Lovato, the teen pop star. The girl who
basically has the world handed to her on a golden platter, she
self harmed herself. Not only did Demi have cuts on her wrists,
but she also attempted to starve herself. Demi came out and told
everyone about her bullying story, and how she did these things
to herself because of the things publicity, and haters were
saying. Even after people watched her reach out and get
help, they still said rude, horrid, and unbelievable things to
her. She got help, she's strong, but some people aren't.
Not everyone can ask for help. The simple words you say can cause
someone to do these things to themselves. Some times you say that
you're just "joking". That joke where you called
her fat? She starved herself. That joke when you told someone to
go kill themselves? To them it wasn't a joke, they actually
did what you said. Now tell me..is your joke still funny?
I can guarantee you everyone in this room has at least one
insecurity. I can guarantee you that at least ninety percent of
you have this insecurity because someone pointed it out. Maybe
someone's biggest insecurity is bigger than someone
else's, but it's still harms the way you see yourself.
After someone points one thing out, you look in the mirror
you see nothing but every single one of your flaws. Right
now, I'm scared to death to do this essay because I know you
guys could be paying attention to any of my biggest flaws. Half
of you are probably thanking God that you don't have a lisp,
or screwed up teeth. Those are my biggest insecurities. Want to
know why? Because through out the time period that I've had
my speech impediment and my chipped tooth, I've had handfuls
of insults thrown at me. One after another, people just seem to
attack me for it. It's gotten to the point where I and so
many others can say,"It's fine, I'm used to
it." Isn't it sad, admitting that? You're used to
being hurt, made fun of, and having to worry about someone saying
something. No one should EVER be used to it. I nor anyone should
be "used" to your constant words and looks of
disapproval.
We're constantly avoiding the topics
that make people have secrets. We don't do anything until
something dramatic happens. One day someone could be pushed to
their edge, just by a few simple words. The reason could possibly
be someone in this room, or down the hall, or the victim could be
any one of us. People are constantly saying,"If we
would've known, we would've done something." You
can't, though. It's too late to fix it. You
would've seen it if you just tried. Constantly fighting a
battle that you don't even deserve to be in will eventually
tire you. I just want you to open your eyes and see the effect
you have. See how damaging your words can be. If you don’t
understand what it’s like to be bullied, Congratulations.
But for the rest, i’m sorry.