Anti-Bullying

[author_by_night]

I'm not complaining about the recent anti-bullying memes, because I know it's well-meaning, and the part of me that remembers trying not to cry on the school bus appreciates it. But the part of me that remembers the "helpful" generic advice adults pulled out of an old can and fed me doesn't really find it worthwhile.

You know what really helped me? When a teacher let me switch groups during a long-term group project. When a teacher let me vent to her one day after class even though I'm sure she had better places to be and do. When a girl who I was only casual acquaintances with told her friends to leave me in a firm voice. It helped another girl when my teacher told me to go comfort her, not because he knew I'd want to please him, but because he knew I'd want to help her.

That's what helps - kids taking other kids seriously and adults taking kids seriously. Moms and teachers banding together and exchanging Facebook statuses wouldn't have done anything for me back then. I just needed someone, everyone just needs someone, to simply say "I hear you."