Entire Issue - Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

spark | change
Together
We Can
Stop
Bullying
by Laura zipin, College Volunteer Recruitment and Program Specialist
Have you ever been bullied? Maybe you’ve
been mean to someone else, or perhaps
you’ve witnessed a friend or classmate
being picked on. Whichever role you’ve
been in—victim, bully, or bystander—you’re
probably familiar with the practice.
Bullying is aggressive, repeated behavior that involves an
imbalance of power, and it is far too common in the lives
of kids today. Kids involved in any aspect of bullying can
suffer significant negative effects, including increased rates of
depression, poor grades, and substance abuse.
If you are bullied, please remember that you are not to blame.
Some people feel threatened by anyone who looks or acts in a
way that’s outside the mainstream, but you should strive to be
true to yourself, even if it makes others uncomfortable. Lady
Gaga, now known for her unique look and innovative style,
was thrown into a trash can in high school; Demi Lovato’s 7th
grade classmates made fun of her so much that she eventually
switched to homeschooling.
A number of celebrities have chosen to become antibullying
crusaders, but you don’t have to be famous to
make a difference. As you know, Girl Scouting builds girls of
courage, confidence, and character, who make the world
a better place. Since you’re fortunate enough to be part
of an organization that focuses on empowering girls, feel
free to utilize the built-in network of support that includes
volunteers, parents, and your fellow Girl Scouts.
Girl Scouts all across the country are standing up to bullies.
In Michigan and Florida, middle school girls have earned
their Silver Awards by implementing an anti-bullying
initiative in their schools; a high school senior in New
York achieved her Gold Award after writing “Say Boo to
Bullying,” a series of skits that were performed for an
entire elementary school. You can draw inspiration from
their examples of activism or come up with a unique
idea of your own! If you’re working through Agent of
Change, Amaze, or any of the It’s Your World—Change
It! Leadership Journeys, consider doing a Take Action
Project that’s centered on an anti-bullying campaign.
If you are looking for more resources, www.stopbullying.gov
and www.adl.org/npfh are two websites with information
about bullying, as well as suggestions for how to confront
it. In a recent speech on the topic, President Obama
said: “Bullying can have destructive consequences for
our young people. And it’s not something we have to
accept.” Regardless of whether you have been a bully,
victim, or bystander, now is the time to stand up and
make a difference.
Lady Gaga…was thrown into a trash can in high school.
64 gsep.org • spark • fall/winter 2012