Bullying is a significant problem in our society, affecting many people from all walks of life. Verbal bullying is especially insidious, as it can leave deep emotional scars lasting a lifetime. The impact of verbal bullying can be just as severe as physical bullying, which needs to be addressed head-on.
Recently, the power of kindness and the importance of taking action against bullying shined through by a good deed.
Cypresswood principal, Trent Johnson, took a 5th grade student to the mall to buy him new shoes after he had been bullied for wearing shoes that were falling apart.
The student had been teased by classmates because of his worn-out shoes. When Johnson noticed what was happening, he quickly took action to help the student. His act of kindness showed the child that there were people who cared.This act of kindness not only helped the student, but it also sent a powerful message to the school community about the importance of standing up against bullying. It showed that one person can make a difference and that it is up to all of us to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
Verbal bullying can be just as damaging as physical bullying, and it is a problem that needs to be addressed. Verbal bullying can include teasing, namecalling, spreading rumors, and making hurtful comments. These actions can leave deep emotional scars that can last a lifetime and can impact a person’s mental health and well-being.
It is important to speak out against bullying and take action to stop it. This can include reporting incidents to school officials, reaching out to someone who is being bullied, and standing up against bullying behavior when one sees it happening.
It is also important to teach children and adults about the impact of bullying and how to recognize and respond to it. Schools can play an important role in this by creating a culture of respect and inclusion and providing resources and support for students who are being bullied. This is a powerful reminder of the impact of kindness and the importance of taking action against bullying. We can all learn from their example and work together to create a world where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. Verbal bullying, or bullying of any type, has no place in our society, and it is up to all of us to take a stand against it.
In addition to taking action against bullying, Johnson has created an intimate office space for students and meets with several young male students every Friday for lunch.
“One thing we must be mindful of is how we respond to bullying,” said Johnson. “It will come up, so it’s not if but when.
One of the things we do at Cypresswood is we engage in restorative practice. We hold circles where we gather around each other for discussion in the morning for Social and Emotional Learning time, and towards the end of the day, we engage in optimistic closure. We sit down with the teachers, students, and community to build a plan to serve those kids best and keep them safe.”