Have You Ever Met a Bully?

Bullying has become a major problem or concern of many schools among students.

First, what is a bully?

It is a cruel person who discourages, scares, or hurts someone intentionally with his words, actions, or attitude. The victim of bullying therefore suffers great pain-emotionally, physically, or psychologically.

So, do you know anyone in your school who is a bully?

One of my little friends went home one day crying and saying to his mom and dad, "I don't want to go to school anymore!"

"Why, Riza, what's wrong?" they asked.

"There is this big guy who made faces at me and tugged at my pigtails!" she cried louder.

"Next time he does that, tell your teacher about it," they tried to soothe her.

"My teacher won't believe me. He always does bad things to smaller kids when teachers are not around or not looking!" she bawled.

There will be great relief to Riza and millions of school children in the country who have been victims of bullying. Our lawmakers just approved the "Anti-Bullying Act of 2012."

What's that?

This is a bill or law that prohibits bullying. It requires all elementary and secondary schools to have anti-bullying rules to prevent bullying.

According to this new law, schools are to post these policies in school websites and school walls. Bullying incidents in campuses must also be reported to higher education authorities. School officials who do not implement these policies will be punished.

ooo

Why is there a need to pass a law? Can't the schools simply punish bullies for the awful things they do?

Well, laws of the land are more powerful than laws of schools or any laws for that matter.  Through the years, bullies have been able to get away with it-some of them think it is no big deal. They just do it for fun!

School authorities like your teachers and principal can only do so much-especially if the acts of bullying are done behind their backs, or are denied by the bullies themselves.

But with this new law, everyone will know, for certain, that bullies will be punished seriously for their acts.

This anti-bullying law also encourages students to report bullies to the authorities.

Bullying is one of the top concerns of many parents today, because it involves many things. Some of these are: punching, pushing, shoving, kicking, tickling, teasing, headlocking, and inflicting physical harm through the use of objects as weapons.

With the approval of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2012, bullied students can now enjoy going to school and develop their full potentials. They need not fear bullies any longer.

For older students in secondary schools, cyber-bullying or any bullying done through the use of technology or any electronic means, is also part of the approved bill.

Bullies are prohibited from insulting, mocking, or attacking anyone with words or pictures on cyber space.

If you know of any bully, send me an email at [email protected] or visit my blog site at www.leavesofgrace.blogspot.com