Bullying is an issue that is always prevalent in schools, but with the increase in the use of technology it has spread so that many victims cannot escape it, even in what used to be the safety of their own homes.
“I think cyberbullying is wrong on so many levels and should never be permitted in any situation. Bullying has gone to a whole new level with doing it online and they even have the option to do it anonymously, which is even worse,” freshman Christie Oxler said.
Oxler referenced a recent incident at school which caused much commotion in which many freshmen were bullied online, leading the community to take another look at cyberbullying, and what it truly is.
“Someone created an anonymous Twitter account and said bad things about the freshmen, and I was one of them,” Oxler said.
These instances have called for many to voice their opinions on cyberbullying, and for people to take a new look at what the role of the school is in cases of cyberbullying and bullying in general.
“For anyone that has purposely bullied someone through the Internet or in person, I think the school should get involved and precautions should be taken immediately. People don’t know what’s happening in other people’s lives and they should never make it worse,” Oxler explains.
Shaun Sternklar, a freshman who was mentioned in the incident, clarified what she thought of the situation, and her reactions. She said after her initial reaction of anger, she “ left the situation alone because eventually, the bully got in trouble and we were assured that none of the things that she was saying was true.”
After incidences of bullying, many students wondered what extent administration should become involved.
“I think the school needs to take cyberbullying more seriously. Coaches and teachers constantly say they won’t tolerate the bullying. Yet it seems like there has been no major punishment for the issue,” freshman Mia Knowles said.
After the incident, many of the victims tried to move past the incident in the best way possible.
While some stand strong in their intense and angry reaction to the bullying, Sternklar said, “I would change how I reacted. I reacted immaturely and I refused to talk to her about it. I should have figured out why she said it, and what I did to upset her.” Oxler looked at a different point of recovery, trying not to allow herself to be too damaged from the bullying.
“I would advise others to keep your head high and don’t let what others say affect you. Never let people get the best of you. If you ever get cyber bullied tell an adult or anyone to help,” Oxler said.
Although it was very difficult situation to deal with for many students, the incident has helped many to learn to stay strong while also exposing the true face of bullying. Yet one incident on the Internet does not define bullying in totality, and bullying exists in the real world as well.
Sophomore Drew Kahn talked about his experience of being bullied, and also on what he feels he can do to stop bullying.
“I have been a victim of bullying a few times. I am often bullied for trying to stick up for other people,” Kahn said.
In any instances of bullying, the school administration advises that students inform their counselor and their assistant principal. From his experiences, however, Kahn believes that in some cases a different approach may be more effective.
“Hang in there. If you ignore it, it will stop,” Kahn said.
Kahn is forced to warn others about the consequences of standing up against bullying, despite the many positive results that come from it.
“You have to realize it will get worse before it gets better,” Kahn said.
Kahn closes telling the students to feel better, and calls out bullies to stop their actions.
“For all of you victims out there, understand that you are bullied because those bullies are not happy with their own image so they rip on you,” Kahn said. “And make sure you are not ripping on people either. Bullies, you know who you are, and you know why you do it. Stop bullying.”
