According to The Straits Times, about fifty percent of the four thousand kids surveyed said that they were victims of labeling, teasing and ridicule. From this figure, it shows that bullying is not uncommon and is rather rampant in schools today. 

There are different types towards bullying. There is the emotional, verbal and physical type of bullying. In general, bullying includes name calling, verbal/written abuse, exclusion from activities or physical abuse. Bullying is a form of abuse where by it involves a continuous attempt to enforce power over another person. Hence, having an "imbalance of power". 

Speaking of bullying, I would like to mention an incident in which some of my classmates had with a senior back in secondary school. I vaguely recall pushing the main door of the washroom open and to my surprise, some of my classmates, together with their friends surrounded a senior and exchanged coarse words at the top of their voice. I was instructed to leave the washroom and hence, left quietly without a second word. Little did I know that rumours spread like wildfire and many knew about the incident. Apparently, the senior was slapped at least once by everyone surrounding her in the washroom that day. 

Of course, disciplinary action was taken on those who slapped the senior but I believe that hatred remained in the air. 

As I look back and think about the incident, I see myself in the same position as many witnesses of bullying cases. "Run away if you can" and avoid getting into trouble for the fear of being the next target.  I believe that the incident must have scarred that senior deeply and because of that, it must have affected her emotionally and even lowered her self esteem.

I believe that bullies bully for various reasons. In the case of my classmates, they were probably displeased with certain matter which led to such act. However, there are many other cases of bullying. Some of which remained untold till the victim lose control of it's emotions and in some cases, chose to suicide.

Although bullying is rampant in schools today, I believe that by encouraging one's children to share about problems faced, telling children to stick to a buddy and informing the school for safety worries may help in overcoming/ reducing further bullying cases.

In my opinion, I for one do not agree with bullying. Picking on others who may appear weaker does not make us any stronger. Students have to be educated and raise awareness on the importance of friendship, understanding and working together instead of picking on one another and bullying. It upsets me to see people enjoying the process of bullying and picking on others.

 Imagine a world without bullying. Wouldn't it be a happier place to stay?

Link for photo and reference