The Bullying Epidemic Part 2
Is it the football player? The basketball star? The kid with the biggest following on social media? Maybe. But it’s also the quiet one in the back of the room. The so-called “band geek.” The library mouse. The straight-A student. The kid who blushes when called on in class. The truth is—it takes all of us.
When bullying happens, it’s not just the victim who’s affected. Everyone who sees it and stays silent plays a part in letting it continue. But here’s the good news: that also means everyone has the power to stop it.
Standing up to a bully doesn’t always mean confrontation. If you’re a student who’s afraid of retaliation, speak to a teacher, a counselor, or someone in authority. If you’re an administrator, show that your school has zero tolerance for cruelty. Take action. Be consistent. Make it clear that targeting someone for any reason—appearance, ability, background—isn’t just “kids being kids.” It’s bullying. It won’t be ignored.
Parents, it starts with us. We tell our kids they’re special, we remind them they’re loved—and we should. But we also have to teach them they’re not more special than someone else’s child. We have to show them what it means to be kind, to treat others as equals, to offer a hand instead of a shove. Let's be honest—kids learn more from what we do than what we say. If we go around treating people like they’re beneath us, our kids will too. So don’t be that person. Don’t be rude, entitled, or cruel and then expect your child to act differently. We shape them with our behavior, not just our words.
The fight against bullying isn’t just for those being bullied. It’s for all of us.
The popular kid, the quiet one, the athlete, the artist. Every one of us has a voice. Let’s use it to say: Enough.
If you witness or experience bullying, speak up. Students, staff, and parents can call or text to report bullying behavior to the Ohio Safer Schools Tipline at 844-SaferOH (844-723-3764).
Source: education.ohio.gov
Remember, you are not alone. And if no one else is listening, I am.
About the Author, April Rodgers FreeWire Magazine/Content Coordinator
April Rodgers is a 1992 graduate of Bucyrus High School. She is the mother of four sons -Christian, Chase, Cameran, and Cory-and has been married to her high school crush, Art, for 11 years. She is also a proud pet mom to two fur babies: Woollee Bear, a Yorkshire Terrier, and Maverick, a rescued stray cat. She is the daughter of Harold Rodgers and Judy and Robert Dewalt. In her spare time, April enjoys shopping, traveling, and spending time with her family. A passionate reader, she loves The Shopaholic Series by Sophie Kinsella and proudly calls herself a shopaholic-just ask her Amazon driver! She also enjoys watching movies, with The American President being her all-time favorite. In the fall, you’ll find April on the sidelines cheering for the BHS Marching Band or in front of the TV watching Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills dominate the NFL. Her favorite quote comes from Josh himself: ‘Be good, do good, God bless, and go Bills!’
Very well said April! I love that you’re doing this series! It’s a very real and serious issue!