Bullying Hurts 4-H Poster Contest

         In January, the Woodland Lakers 4-H Club set down and began planning their activities for the next few months. After much discussion, the youth decided that they would like to call attention to the problem of bullying. In addition to placing articles in the newspaper and placing information on the radio, the youth decided that they would also like to produce a skit that can be shown to different civic groups explaining the trauma suffered by those that are targets of bullying, and explain to responsible adults how to recognize and be better prepared to handle the problem of bullying.

       Bullying is when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself. With the increase of technology, bullying has evolved over the years as well to include cyber bullying, which is bullying through the internet and cell phone. Statistics have shown that 20% of youth have been cyberbullied and 19% of youth have admitted to cyberbullying someone. So, the days of simply bullying someone on the playground is no longer the only way to bully someone.

       "While the 4-H’ers were brainstorming many of their ideas, it became clear to me that many of the club members feel that they are not heard when they try to tell adults and get help when being bullied. It seems when children are interested, this is a teachable moment for all of us,” said Olivia Bottoms, 4-H Club Leader. First, we must admit that bullying is a problem. Denying the fact or making excuses for the behavior will not make it go away. Thousands of children are suffering at the hands of bullies. The pain and humiliation may have long term effects. We have all heard stories of where the target of bullying commits suicide. Let’s face it …”Bullying Hurts.”

         As a parent, some indicators that your child may be a target or vulnerable is that they are usually insecure, anxious, sensitive and quiet. They suffer with low self-esteem. Other behavior that may be demonstrated on regular bases is that they cry easily, may be volatile and detached, unable to remember things, reluctant to go out, moody, withdrawn and unhappy. Your child’s behavior and performance may have changed. Where once you had a happy, bright, eager child, he is now withdrawn, quiet, can’t concentrate, grades dropping, doesn’t want to be with former friends and may demonstrate a negative attitude toward himself and you.

         As adults caring for our children, we do not need to treat bullying in a casual way or make excuses for the behavior. We tell ourselves that if we interfere, the problem will get worse, or we conclude that “boys will be boys.” So we sweep the problem under the carpet hoping it will go away or someone else will step up and solve the problem. And there are several things that we can do as a community. First of all, there are NC laws against bullying and harassment. If you are a youth that is being bullied, tell someone. If you are an adult, it is your job to help prevent this problem and protect youth from bullies. We want to build strong youth, provide age appropriate activities, stay calm and keep your cool, protect your personal information, change your online passwords, pay attention and get involved.

         One addition way that the Woodland Lakers 4-H Club and the entire Person County 4-H program wants to raise awareness about this issue is we are sponsoring a poster contest among all the elementary school students in Person County. Information on the poster contest can be found below as well as online at person.ces.ncsu.edu