Bullying can take many forms. Whether it’s comments about your hair or clothes, or mean behavior on the bus or locker room, hurtful words and actions from classmates can have a big impact..
According to a study published in the “Journal of Pediatric Health Care” in 2022, there have been 421 recorded incidents of gunfire at schools since 2013. In a sample of 25 male school shooter cases, 60% reported they had been bullied in person or online.
But just because it was reported doesn’t mean action was taken.
“Adults see this stuff happening, and they don’t change,” said Alejandra Wells, CEO of Hiya, in an interview with WOWT’s Taylor Johnson. “They don’t switch the seating charts, they don’t switch classes, and it’s such a huge problem.”
Wells, a junior at Omaha Burke High School, believes that teens can make a difference by speaking up and supporting each other.
If you’re feeling down or dealing with bullying, here are some ways to shake off those bad vibes:
1. Hang out with friends. Being around others can help boost your mood.
2. Get those negative thoughts out of your head. Talk to a friend or write in a journal.
“Once you get those words that are hurting you out of your mouth, you’ll feel so much better,” Wells said.
3. Don’t isolate yourself. If hanging out in person feels too much, try a quick text to stay connected.
If you have a friend who’s being bullied, keep reaching out to them
“I like to FaceTime people. I like them to know that I’m there without physically being there,” Wells said.
And remember, it’s okay to not be okay. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know what to do, contact someone. If talking to someone you know feels hard, you can call or text 988 to speak with a mental health professional.