Faded memory of a bully...

     One of my favorite lyrics is in a song called "Wounded" by Third Eye Blind. They sing "Back down the bully to the back of the bus, 'cause it's time for them to be scared of us."

      Bullying has always been a huge issue, and thankfully more and more awareness is being brought to the surface. My nephew was being subjected to bullying while taking the bus home everyday after school. It made my heart sink to my stomach whenever he would talk about it. Luckily, he did tell us about it. Some kids fear that no help will come there way, and keep silent on the issue.

     How do you teach a child about how to deal with something like bullying, whether it is physical, mental or verbal? How do you put it in terms that even the youngest victim can understand? After all, it doesn't or ever will make much sense as to why it is happening.

     I believe words are the most powerful weapon any human can wield. Words have the ability to demean, destruct, uplift, and build. They are the most true form of expression. Violence is not the answer. My son may turn out to have a sharp tongue, but his knuckles will remain unbruised, providing he never has to go through this. But how do you prove that to a person who is a victim of abuse, such as bullying?

     I don't have the answers but I did come across this article online. 8 Sneaky Signs Your Child's Being Bullied will hopefully give you some preventative or after incident tips on how to deal with this issue. If your family is going through this right now, do not hesitate to get as many people involved as possible to make sure the matter is being taken care of.

     Remember: Bullying is not limited to school playgrounds. It is something that affects all ages, in any environment. Don't be afraid to step in if you see it happening, even to a perfect stranger. Change needs to begin somewhere. Lead by example.

More studies, yet no progress...

     So I read this article, "The Internet lowers self esteem in teen girls" and my first thought was, Duh!

     I know I have touched on this subject before, but it is something that really irks me. Take a look and leave your opinion in the comments.

     The internet is this generation's magazine.  I work in the print media industry and everything is going digital. The ads and pictures on the internet are no different than what girls see or read in books and magazines. If anything they are more easily accessible. Especially to girls too young to earn their own money to be able to purchase magazines.

     If the same amount of energy that was used to promote fashion was put into reassuring girls that looks (weight/ facial features) weren't everything, there wouldn't be nearly as many girls with low self esteem. Or lacking any at all for that matter.

     Everyone needs to understand that we are all beautiful in our own way. What needs to be said or done to get that simple truth through people's heads?

     I am vowing to do my part to make sure the people I come across get acknowledged for something nice about them. Even if it is something as simple as a cool nail polish color. If it makes them smile, then mission accomplished! After all, a smile is the most beautiful thing a person can wear :)