Bullying is something we learn about from a young age. We learn to be kind to others and that words can hurt a lot more than we think. Something just brushed off as a joke can really affect how someone not only views themselves, but also how they view others; which is why recognizing October as National Bullying Prevention Month can bring a serious problem to light.

When I was younger, I didn’t have a lot of friends. I talked a lot in class and was the class clown, but I can count the number of friends I had on one hand. Moving schools didn’t help, and throughout fourth and fifth grade I was alienated. I was made fun of on a daily basis, but they were only joking. They were just kidding. It shouldn’t have affected me, but it did.

My problem continued in sixth grade. Someone thought it would be hilarious to make me cry, to make me angry by teasing and tripping me in the halls. Once again, it was just a joke, but sometimes jokes can be taken too far. I still remember everything those kids said to me, and even though they were just kids, we need to help them learn that bullying can be as simple as making fun of someone’s appearance. We always think of bullying as getting slammed against lockers or getting a wedgie in the hallway, but it extends more than that. I was lucky in a way, I knew who my bullies were. Cyberbullies are a problem too, especially in the age of technology, they get to hide behind the anonymity of the internet.

Bullying victims, especially among teens, are almost 2 to 9 times more likely to commit or consider suicide. This is a real problem that is affecting teens and young people all around the country. We have decided to sweep it under the rug, by saying things like “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” and to just “brush it off.” But no, that shouldn’t be acceptable. National Bullying Prevention month helps the public eye recognize how serious words can be. How something simple can stick with someone for life. I’ll never forget what those kids said to me, but we can help make sure no more kids have to go through what I and many other kids went through. Setting up national programs and educating kids on what words really mean to people, that’s how we can make a difference. Showing the world that making fun of someone is not the way to deal with problems.

National Bullying Prevention month is incredibly important to me. Not just because I was bullied, but also because we can unite for the cause and help young people grow up safe and happy. Celebrating this month means a call to action, a call to stand up to those who bully. You don’t have to be a bystander. You can make a difference in someone’s life. You can stop the injustice and potentially save a kid’s life. You are the change we need. So think about making a change when celebrating National Bullying Prevention month, because sometimes a friend is just what someone needs.