Bullying is a common problem children face in school either from peer groups or from seniors. If one has been bullied, he or she knows how bad it feels.
Similar instances
Ram Prasad of Std IX says that we learn to bully as we have been subjected to such treatment mostly by our seniors. “But, I feel it is no excuse for mean behaviour as one can choose not to indulge in harmful banter. It is a matter of choice and attitude,” he adds.
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I feel any behaviour which will hurt someone make another feel helpless or that which gives him trouble defending himself or herself is bullying,” says Daniel, of Std VIII.
Shilpa Std X says, “I usually fought back when I was being bullied. But I saw that the bully felt good when he or she got a reaction out of me and that is when I chose to keep quiet.
But I would make sure that I informed elders at home and teachers in the school. “This not only brings about a change in the bully, but also saved me from getting violent and being reprimanded by school authorities,” she explains.
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No cat fights
Rajnish of Std VIII says that most resort to bullying as they feel it is cool to do so. “As long as bantering is funny and helps build positive rapport between the bullied and the bully it is a friendly gesture, but if one only indulged in cat fight and got physical, the scene will be uglier,” he feels.
Shaila, Shilpa's friend suggests that co-operation between elders of the parties involved, teachers and children is very important to stop bullying from becoming a problem.
“Though sometimes we sort it out ourselves, elders play a vital role in disciplining kids. An assurance by the elders also builds confidence and strength among us the bullied, she says. “When elders are involved it also sends a signal that bullying is not cool,” she adds.