Stats on Bullying
- 30 percent of teens in the United States
- much more common among younger teens than older teens
- Bullying occurs more frequently among boys than girls
- boys are more likely to report being hit, slapped, or pushed, more aggressive
- girls are more often the targets of rumors and sexual comments, subtle and indirect
- Boys usually bully both boys and girls
- Girls usually bully other girls
Wadded Paper
- Each student a piece of paper
- Crumple the piece of paper, do not tear, rip it.
- Now unfold the piece of paper.
- Try to Smooth it out
- Look at it
- Tell the piece of paper you are sorry as you try to fix that piece of paper
- Notice the scars left behind on the piece of paper
- Those scares will never go away, no matter how hard you try to fix it.
- Point out the same happens when someone is bullied
Check out this blog post: Bullying, Crumbled Paper, Perspective View
Bible Verses
Leviticus 19:18
You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love and sound judgement.
Romans 12:19-20
19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may help those who listen.
2 Timothy 2:22
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
Thoughts
God is watching you, if you are a bully he sees what you are doing to others. If you are a victim of bullying he knows what you are going through and sees it. Remember God is always with you. We are not to repay evil with evil. Resorting to their level is not the answer. Be nice and show love to that person. The Bible says love your enemy. It also says if they are hungry to give them food, if they are thirsty give them drink. Be brave knowing that God is with you and he will seek the revenge. A good movie to watch is The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry, I like how Jonathan tells the boys he has been doing a Bible study for, about a bully who takes their pizza, to offer him a second slice. One thing to keep in mind what would Jesus do? If you are a victim of bullying then you need to forgive that person, you won’t forget, but you must forgive them and show them love. Pray for those who are victims of bullying and also those who are bullying.
What can you do about bullying
- Talk to your parents or an adult you can trust, such as one of your youth leaders, teacher at school, principal, etc.
- Don’t blame yourself
- Act confident, Hold your head up, stand up straight
- Make more friends
- Avoid situations that may lead to bullying
- Don’t resort to violence
- Refuse to help bully other people
- Find a teacher or an adult if you are witnessing bullying
- Encourage the bullied person to talk to their parents or a trusted adult (see #1)
- Check your student handbook on how to report bullying, harassment, hazing, etc.
Sources
- safeyouth.org
- courageouschristianfather.com/2013/01/30/bullying-crumbled-paper-perspective-view
- openbible.info/topics/bullying
Stats according to the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center
First published October 23, 2013. Last updated October 6, 2019.
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I was bullied when I was a kid. Hard to believe because I was the biggest kid in school. I was told by my parents that the other kids were jealous. I don’t think that was true. I think they had something to prove.
After high school, I joined the Marines. After boot camp, I wasn’t bullied anymore.
Looking back, I wish I was a Christian then so I could have shown them Christ. But, I wasn’t. And now, I look at my own children to make sure they aren’t bullied. When I see someone picking on my girls, it makes me angry. But, I have to remember that I’m an ambassador for Christ.
I really like your crumpled paper analogy. It’s a good way to look at it.
Thanks,
Josh
Thanks for the comment Josh. Also thank you for your service to our country. Sorry to hear you were bullied in school. I was too at times. It is not a fun to place to be in. We often do have the what if factor for our past, but we have to remember we are now in the present, and we can teach our kids and young folk in church about how to respect people and not allow them to bully others. If a child speaks to you about being bullied, talk with them and and assist them as much as you can. Most of them feel they are alone, when they are not. God Bless.