 In my short time, with blogging - mainly about pregnancy, birth, postpartum and the parenting world - I never once contemplated or thought that I would have to title a blog, this. Recently my husband and I watched the Netflix series called '13 Reasons Why'. It has caused some controversy, within the communities, that it should not be shown as it depicts a lot about bullying, rape, sexual assault, suicide and more. It was a very tough 13 shows, to watch, but very import and eye opening I think. It really struck a cord with me, today. And this is why....
I am a wife, a daughter, a friend, a marketing coordinator and also, the most important - a mother. Today my 8.5 year old son came home from school and said, 'Mom, can I move schools next year - the kids are just getting too mean' Too mean? Why is there too in front of that? Why is there ANY mean? My son is no angel, don't get me wrong - but no child should have to feel so upset and hurt that his classmates are calling him names that he needs to come to me and tell me that. Though, I am glad he did tell me and not keep quiet about it. In 2015 - 47% of parents noted that their child has been a victim of bullying, according to Canadian statistics. You read that right - 47%. 73% of those who are bullied, are bullied through the internet - commonly known as cyber bullying 89% of teachers say that bullying is a problem in their schools and 75% of them say that they will intervene. Students say otherwise - they tell us that they only do 25% of the time. We all know that teachers are stretched as thin as possible - but that number is not okay. Not for me. Not for my child(ren). Why is this happening? Is it because of the influx in technology and access to social media? Is it lack of parenting? Too many adults acting like children on social media and wanting to portray them? An increase in mental illness? Teachers reaching their limits and not having the time to deal with incidents? Whatever the reason - it needs to stop, now. We need to teach our children, even at a young age, that bullying of any sort is not okay. No child - hell no human - should have to be so worried and upset at their daily situation to want to move from there. We need to protect our children the best that we can and help guide and teach them to reach out when needed, or potentially defend themselves in there was a violent act against them. We need to help stop bullying where it beings. In our homes. Parents may not realize they are doing it - but the majority of the time these things start at home. Kids need to learn, from somewhere, don't they? This is not something that they should be learning, though. Ever. Bullying, is an epidemic and it needs to be obliterated before more children, students, and adults alike loose their lives - physically and emotionally. If you or someone you know is being bullied or needs help, please talk to someone you love and trust. If you can't call: Kids help phone - 1-800-668-6868
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