The Blue & Gold Unwind: Dealing with Bullying and Gossip

by Katie Hull

Image via whyy.org

The definition of bullying is to seek to harm, intimidate, or coerce someone. Even though Rockwell is a smaller school bullying still happens here. I do believe it happens less than most schools because we all know each other more personally and the teachers know us. Gossip is a huge form of bullying. The problem is because we are such a small school, gossip spreads like wildfire. No one likes to be gossiped about so why does anyone feel the need to spread it about others? It doesn’t make sense.

The most important thing to know is that if somebody is spreading gossip about you, realize that they are trying to hurt you and remove them from your life. There is absolutely no excuse for gossip or bullying. It is harmful and hurtful to the person being gossiped about and the friendships that are involved. You need to know also that if they are spreading gossip about you, more likely than not, it is not personal. They are going to spread gossip about anyone and you happened to fall into the light this time. Don’t try to get back at them or get into a fight with them because in the long run it will not help or do anything positive for you or the other people involved. Just stay away from them. You do not need poisonous people in your life.

If you are the one gossiping or bullying others you need to take a long look at yourself and understand that it is not okay. You will get caught and you are hurting another human being. Nothing makes you better than other person. If you are doing this because your life is hard and want others to feel like you, realize that you have no idea what this person you are hurting is dealing with at home or when you aren’t around. It is also against the law to bully, cyber-bully, haze someone or be part of retaliation bullying. It is against the law for teachers to not report it to administration and for administration to not involve parents. If you endanger or purposefully distress another student or school employee, it is bullying and against the law. Bullying is wrong.

If you are getting bullied, harassed, or feel threatened you need to report it to a teacher or guardian immediately. It is not okay that this is happening to you and you need to realize what it is; it’s bullying.