Discover > Magazine > September 2012 > Feature: Bullies beware
< September 2012 magazine
BULLIES BEWARE (cont.)
What you can do
Students can do a lot about bullying, Vaughan says.
Developing a culture of openness among peers and
adults can help. “It’s important to talk about bullying
and the consequences,” she says. Young people can get
involved in prevention efforts too.
Also, know what
groups might be a greater risk. Many minorities—such
as lesbian or gay people—are at greater risk for bullying.
But those teens report feeling safer and more accepted
in schools with gay-straight alliances. That’s just
one example of a program that can help. Students can
have a powerful impact if they consider ideas tailored
to their own communities. One of Vaughan’s favorite
resources for teens is www.stopbullying.gov, which is
full of good ideas.
Key Club members can be particularly effective when it
comes to dealing with the bullying problem, Gibson says.
In fact, he sought members’ help at the convention to create
an anti-bullying initiative.
Kids—especially Key Club members, who are already
leaders—can set an example by sticking up for those
bullied and setting a personal standard that they will not
accept bullying. “I think teens should lead by example,
report bullying when it happens and hold strong to their
convictions, even when those convictions are unpopular,”
Gibson says.
“One idea was a network television partnership and teenfocused
programming to promote Key Club’s efforts to create
a teen-designed, national anti-bullying campaign—exciting
things to come!”
Look who’s talking
It’s no surprise that celebrities have in fluence when it
comes to social change. Some use that power for good.
Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation works to empower
youth and inspire bravery. Its website, www.bornthiswayfoundation.org, is a place where people can share stories and discover great ideas to change the
culture through student action.
Here’s one idea, from the “Kinder & Braver World Project”:
Create a “friend zone” in the lunch room. Establish
a group of students who are willing to watch over
other students. Publicize the friend zone during every
lunch period, and make sure at least two members of
the friend-zone group are sitting at a table with space
for anyone who wants to sit there. It could be someone
who just needs someone to sit with, a new kid or someone
feeling marginalized or threatened. Make it clear
that the group doesn’t require anyone to be friends
with anyone. The friend zone is just a safe space for
people, a place of respect and no judgment.
Some people become celebrities when they step up
and fight. Emily Anne Rigal was a high school student
when she created a YouTube channel called We Stop Hate. Now
the well-known channel is a place for kids to get motivated,
connect, share stories and strategies, and stamp
out cruelty, hate and bullying.
Bullies thrive on those who feel alone and weak and
marginalized. You and your Key Club can work to
help end bullying forever. “Key Clubbers are an
army,” Gibson says. “Together, you can win the fight
against bullying.” KC
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