When I was going to school there was not much bullying going on. Clicks yes. But honest to goodness "knock the book out of the losers hands" bullying I was not aware of. I could be considered part of the "cool" or "popular" group and in that group of so call cool kids there was teasing and pranks (like me being made fun of for my big eyes....) but honestly it was all in fun. There also was not as much social media making it just that much easier to be bullied. Maybe I was just to consumed in my own life to realize, who knows?
This passed week was bully awareness week. This same week I had a conversation with a friend of Cameron's step mom. She had informed me that her son was in 7th grade and had autism. I hadn't noticed it at all and continued to listen to her story. She had told me that he was diagnosed only two years prior and it was becoming more noticeable and heart wrenching as a parent.
This young mans middle school had a assembly where each student received a bracelet. After the speeches were over the students were instructed to find someone they have once bullied and give them their bracelet along with an apology.
He came home with 23.
20 freaking 3 you guys. That's just 23 different children, there's no telling home many children were repeat offenders.
He came home excited that he received the most bracelets and she spent the rest of her night in her room crying.
She went to his school the next day to talk about the problem. The assembly was intended to be well spirited although it is awful when a child comes home with 23. That's 23 different times he is reminded of when he was bullied.
She continued with her story and told me that he gets made fun of because he isn't afraid to say he likes Justin Biebers music and likes to dance. He gets called "gay" more often than not and doesn't have many friends.
Her story made me realize how cruel kids are and I hope that my kids are never bullied but more so I hope they are not the bullies. I would beat their little butts. My heart goes out to all kids that are bullied, and I appreciate celebrities like Klohe Kardashian who raise awareness for anti-bullying. I'm so happy that schools are now taking the time to make awareness because I know just 5 years ago when I was still in high school they most certainly were not taking action.
Spread the word. Take action.