BULLYCIDE

This is the most upsetting phrase I have come across in my research into bullying so far. It’s such a shame that kids have felt the need to take it so far. With all the government support and rubber bands do you not think that this could have been prevented?

If the same events were happening to a grown individual as it was to a bullied child, the term would be called ‘harassment’ and there are numerous laws in place to deal with this. Why is the word softened when it is regarding a child? Is it less important? I think not, The events that take place in your childhood mould you into the character you are to become in your adult life. So if you have a happy childhood, the chances of you having a happy and successful adult life are greatly increased. The memories of the name calling and taunts stay with you for life and have a real impact on your self esteem. This is talk of first hand experience, not just statistical fact. I also have numerous friends who have also suffered the consequences of childhood bullying in their adult life. So please, let us use the term that it is ‘Harassment’ not the less serious sounding term ‘bullying’ life is not an Enid Blyton Novel. The consequences are real.

Every year in the UK:

• 16 children have committed ‘bullycide’ in the UK to date

• Over 19,000 children attempt suicide - one every half hour

• There are over 2 million visits by children to GPs for emotional and psychological problems

• Suicide is now the Number One cause of death for 18-24-year-old males