BULLYING has always been a big problem for all sections of the community, but since the internet took off at the turn of the century and the establishment of so-called social networking sites like Facebook in 2004, the issue has become even worse, and in many cases it ends in tragedy.
I joined the Community Brave organisation as an ambassador a few years ago after having an unpleasant experience with a bully, and hearing other stories from people who were also the victims of these cowards.
Its aim is to get people to speak out against bullies with a focus on LGBTI youth, but it has also helped many other people as well.
Bullying does not discriminate and it effects children, adults, gays, straights and people from all nationalities.
It can come in forms of cyber bullies, workplaces bullies, schoolyard bullies and can happen almost anywhere anytime.
Some bullying is obvious, especially in the physical and mental form. In other cases it鈥檚 subtle where people are excluded from activities or victims of whispering campaigns.
One thing is for sure: victims have had enough and thankfully governments have listened and have now legislated so bullies can be exposed and punished.
If you are being bullied, do not put up with it. Make sure you speak up. You have nothing to fear and everything to gain. See your school principal, your HR department or someone in authority who can take action.
Confronting the bully is usually a pointless exercise, because most are cowards and will either laugh it off or tell you that you are being too precious.
If there’s one message I can get across, it’s to speak up. That applies to victims, or anyone you see being intimidated.听
Geoff Field can be heard reading the news on 2DayFM every afternoon and has a website听
