Let’s talk about bullying. Okay, before you start picturing children screaming, kids crying, adults gasping, and evil bells ringing in the distance, please, let us calm down and face this matter straight in the eye, once and for all. In fact, as we’re reaching a point of settling down and getting accustomed to our routines, this is the right time for a reminder about this seemingly obvious topic that tends to go unaddressed and forgotten.

Cocooned within the safe shelter of our school, we often find ourselves unaware of the subtle things that we take for granted. For example, safety, and how internal conflicts, such as bullying, seldom occur here.

The reason can, predictably enough, be traced back to Sacred Heart’s multicultural environment, and it is second nature to most of us that we respect each other, differences and all. As a community, we’ve already established a solid foundation for the prevention of bullying related issues; the greatest defense for such problems is neither rules nor anti-bullying procedures, but our own awareness, as well as the choices that we make.

The point however, is that harmony does not miraculously appear out of nowhere; and the even more terrifying truth is that we all have the risk of becoming a bully. This is mainly due to social behaviour, and how one negative action taken by one person can affect those around them–bystanders typically get involved, sometimes directly, sometimes passively. Sometimes, the biggest mistake is one that individuals make, by not taking action: knowing something is wrong but neglecting to report it, or stop it.  

Bullying isn’t always obvious either, as seen with many cases including exclusion or cyberbullying (an increasing problem for our 21st century society). Mind, these things can occur right here in our school, creeping in through the fissures we unconsciously create through our behaviours.

Let’s have a look at an example: the start of the year. Why? It’s when many new faces join our community–and from my share of numerous transferring experiences, I can speak with certainty of the anxiety and discomfort of being “the new kid”.

So to any students reading: have you familiarized yourself with some new faces?

To any new student readers: How have the past few weeks been? Not too unpleasant, I hope.

The thing is this–we’re no longer babies–meaning, we’ve reached a maturity level (well, most of us) where we don’t whinge or spontaneously burst into tantrums when in uncomfortable situations. Although we ought to consider this a proud achievement on our behalf (like a 1-Up Mushroom in Super Mario), this also unfortunately means that sometimes students may be left feeling lost or lonely, but unable ask for a hand. High school is particularly difficult, as it is the time in which most people have already settled with their batch of friends, and attempting to join that can be intimidating for a newcomer.

This is where problems like exclusion emerge–and however unintentional, it’s a yellow flag that shouldn’t go unnoticed.

I hope that this commentary helps to shed more light on this issue, and draw attention to the fact that now is a prime time for taking action. The peer supporters always do a great lot for our new pals, but that doesn’t mean the rest of us should dawdle and be rude, does it?

So if you’re a new student, virtual hugs and best of luck to you–the awkward social barrier isn’t as solid as you think.

And to all returning students, it doesn’t take much; look out for one another and continue to ‘reach out’–who knows, a friendly tap on the shoulder may go a long way.

Spread the love, y’all.