I know we all see bullying every day, yet we continue to let it happen. Just because you’re more popular or a “bigger” person makes no difference; in fact, your status gives you even more responsibility to stop it. Bullying is disrespectful, pointless, and wrong. WHY do people bully? According to www.stompoutbullying.org, “A common reason that a kid is a bully is because he/she lacks attention from a parent at home and lashes out at others for attention. This can include neglected children, children of divorced parents, or children with parents under the regular influence of drugs/alcohol.”

What would you do in the victim’s spot? Do you know what the victim goes through at home or on a daily basis? You may see bullying at school, at a party, at home, even at the grocery store or park. If you see it happening right in front of you or online, report it and make sure you go to an adult. Instead of sitting back and saying, “Dang, I feel bad for her/him!”, get up and comfort the person. Make conversation with the person; stand up for them.

This world is so cruel and violent that we need to turn around and make some changes. Doing the smallest thing for someone you see being bullied can make the biggest difference. I challenge you to go out of your way to call out bullying. Doing this may not only change the victims’ lives, but it could also change your own.