Stand Up, Make a Difference
SUMAD organization
What is Bullying?
Bullying is when a specific person is targeted by someone and is constantly made fun of, teased, or hurt. Bullying happens a lot around the world and is often mistaken as goofing off or having fun. But bullying is not a joke, it is very serious. It can hurt people physically and mentally.
Side effects of being bullied
- 160,000 teens skip school because of how severely they are being bullied.
- 4,400 teens commit suicide per year because they are being bullied.
Bullying leads to depression, anxiety, less sleep, weight loss, failing grades, health problems, and suicide.
Side effects of being a bully
- Bullies are more likely to drop out of school, have depression, develop an anxiety disorder, and to abuse substances including tobacco, alcohol and marijuana.
- More likely to engage in physical violence and vandalism.
What is SUMAD?
SUMAD is an organization that I, Kamryn O., founded in November, 2014. SUMAD stands for "Stand up, Make a Difference". It is meant to raise awareness against bullying and to spread the word that people are not alone. To join my fight, go like my facebook page, or stand up for someone that is being bullied!
Why should you help?
You should help because you could save someone's life. Bullying leads to depression and that can lead to suicide. You could also help someone improve their grades, effort, and/or enthusiasm for activities and help them enjoy socializing.
How can you help?
You could standup for someone by comforting the bully. Be sure to be careful when confronting a bully because they could be violent. You could also report it to an adult, or just simply be nice to people. Talk to someone who is alone or seems upset, do anything to make a difference for the better for your community.