Psychological Effects of Bullying

When you are the bully, it is easy not to think about the effects you have on the other persons life. But, there are many immediate developments that bullying can cause. Mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, or even bulimia and anorexia can develop. Physical symptoms such as poor appetites, trouble sleeping, headaches, and abdominal pain can also evolve. Not only are these symptoms hard to go through while being bullied, but social difficulties can also be a long term symptom. Studies show that ten percent of kids and teens have been bullied by their peers. That means one in every ten people could be dealing with these symptoms. Don't you think causing someone to be depressed and attempt suicide is just as bad as assisted suicide? Why shouldn't every state have laws against bullying if this is what subsides after it. Tell us what you think by commenting.

   Find more on the psychological effects of bullying here at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2695751/.

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matter compared to what lies within us." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

M.J.

The Ravi Case.

Hey bro, bullying comes in many forms, wether it be to someone's face or behind their backs. In this case, it was on the internet. As we know, cyberbullying has been a growing problem as technology matures. Like our technology, we need to mature. We want to abolish bullying, and if we can't do it all at once, we can take one section at a time.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/rutgers-trial-dharun-ravi-make-statement-sentencing/story?id=16394014#.T7wlaq6veGk

On the left is Dharun Ravi. On the right is Tyler Clementi.

This is just one extreme example of of what cyberbullying can lead to. Dharun Ravi is the name of the bully in this video, his victim was Tyler Clementi. The video states that Ravi is sentenced to a 30 day jail term and 3 year probation for for spying on his roommate having a gay encounter then tweeting about it. Not only was Ravi cyberbullying, but he was also bullying based off of sexual orientation, which lead Clementi, 18, to commit suicide by jumping off of the George Washington Bridge. So, the questions now: How do you feel about Ravi's sentencing? Do you agree with it? Take a look at our link that is posted and tell us what you think.
        And remember, Bullying is not cool bro.

     "It's a matter of taking the side of the weak against the strong, something the best people have always done"- Harriet Beecher Stowe

J.P.

Cyberbully

Cyberbullying is a huge issue for modern day teenagers, and it is one that won’t go away. Many people don't realize that words hurt when someone reads it online just as badly as if they were said to they’re face. It is easy to become the bully when you don't have to see the repercussions. Bullying online can be especially detrimental because not only does the harassment follow you home from school, but it’s permanently out there on the internet.

Fact: 15 states still do not have a law or bill against cyberbullying. The states that have the passed bills on cyberbullying only apply to school related repercussions. In Georgia if bullying occurs weather physical or online (through a school system) the bully will be reassigned to a different school. How does that help the victim if the harassment was happening through Facebook? Not a school affiliated technology? Or if the victim and the bully already attend different schools? Shouldn't we find it strange if some laws on cyber bullying barely will be able to touch the matter because the means are not through school software or the plan fact that you no longer attend school? Check out your state laws on this matter: http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/educ/cyberbullying.aspx

Image from abcfamily.com, starring Emily Osmet

            This movie, CyberBully, from Muse Entertainment Enterprise, confronts the serious problem of online bullying. Yes, I cried during this movie, and, yes, the ending can be cheesy in ways ABC Family movies usually are, but it is good for realizing the magnitude of what a couple words can do to the psyche of a developing teen. It also shows how support can dramatically help people survive high school bullies and how we all have a role in preventing cyberbullying.

            Part One: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_rIr7BkdYg&feature=related

            Part Two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovQksPbZxug&feature=relmfu

            Disclaimer Overall we do not own any of this material, and the poster on YouTube, Ms. Strawberry0re0z3, probably does not either. This is for entertainment and educational purposes.

         
“Our deeds determine us as much as we determine our deeds.” ~ George Eliot

N.C.

Hello World!

Did you know that suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in American Teens? Thats only ranked after car accidents. And it is shocking that there has been a huge spike in suicide by bullying. As dim as this may seem, bullying can be stopped by simply stepping up and speaking up for yourself and others. Better yet, you are not alone! Our goal is to someday stop this act of hate; but for the time being, this blog is a step in the right direction. So take our challenge! Step out of your comfort zone for a day! Tomorrow, as you are walking through the halls, or walking home, pay attention to what is going on around you. Stick up for someone you see being bullied or disrespected in anyway. We all know how easy it is to melt into the crowd when someone is being bullied, but turning a blind eye is just as detrimental as being the bully yourself. We must all hold each other accountable for what we let happen, and be advocates for those who cannot speak up.

P.S. Feel free to comment on any blog post topic!

"Truth is like the sun, you can shut it out for a time, but it ain't goin' away." ~ Elvis Presley

Love , Your Admins

NC, JP, & MJ