Students

Stand Against
Bullying
A Collection of Student Essays
Published by the National Center for State Courts
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 NCSC is committed

to improving civics

education.

As part of this commitment, NCSC developed the Justice Case

Files series of graphic novels to teach students and young adults about
how the courts work. In addition, NCSC holds a civics education essay
contest each year in recognition of Law Day, May 1. In 2015, the essay
question for elementary and middle-school students focused on bullying,
which was the central theme in NCSC’s most recent graphic novel,
Justice Case Files #5: The Case of the Cyberbully.

Student response was overwhelm­ing – NCSC received more than

300 entries from 17 states. Essays ranged from why people bully, to
how to protect someone who is being bullied, to how to stop bullying.
Some wrote about personal experiences, others were passionate about
The National Center for State Courts wanted to know what society can do to stop bullying. NCSC wants to share students’
what students had to say about bullying.
words, emotions, and solutions to the pervasive problem of bullying.
This booklet is a collection of essays and quotes that represent students’
We learned a lot... attitudes.
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 “I was bullied “Could you be any uglier?,
because of the
the girl yelled through
the crowded hallway.

food I ate, and my

I watched as my best
friend went running into

cultural
the bathroom. It was
that moment I realized

accessories...
I should have said
something but it was too
late.”

-Maelyn Reynolds, Grade 6

I learned the bullies were ignorant about
Lake Stevens, WA
my culture and insecure about them-
selves. I realized that education was the

“Could
best way to deal with bullying. Instead
of focusing on punishment, we should
help bullies understand why they hurt
us. Our school started a culture corner
so students learned cultural diversity and
you
be any
understood how we were different and

”
similar to one another.”

-Priyanka Fayson, Grade 4, Barnesville, MD

uglier?
“I want “ ‘You are such a loser,’ she said to me.

to stop
Everyone turned my way and started
laughing. I was angry, sad, and it felt like
I did not belong because I am different.
bullying so...
“Everything was going
Bullying is an issue because, when you great until someone
are bullied, it doesn’t feel good. You feel you thought was your
I can spend more time learning fun things. I love learning at school, alone, and empty. One way that we can/ friend started calling
though sometimes it is tough there. My favorite place in school is recess, will solve this problem is by helping oth- you names and verbally
but bullies have more chances to be mean then. I won’t fight with ers not to feel bad. Another way is that tearing you apart.”
anybody, but I will use my words to stand up for myself and speak loudly we can be nice to the bully. I know this
would be hard to do, but you can try. We -Brenda Call, Grade 6
enough that someone can come to my rescue. I will be nice to someone
Lake Stevens, WA
who is a bully so the bully can learn how to act respectfully to someone, are all different from each other, and that
and maybe even earn a chance to be my friend.” is okay.”
-Chase Lamb, Grade 4, Mechanicsville, VA -Alexys Hust, Grade 6, Lake Stevens, WA
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 internet...

’
What s the issue?
“I believe our own kind instead of looking
out for each other and having
could prevent him/
her from growing
bullying is empathy. We have to think up and coming
a huge issue that about the future and if we really up with amazing “With the Internet...
needs to be addressed want bullying to go on, leading ideas, or doing
with effort. It is a us to hatred, betrayal, and great things. I am Bullying has become more common and is very hurtful.
horrendous thing to go unwanted self-harming. Plus, positive that our Approximately 160,000 U.S. teens miss school every year for fear
powerful country of being bullied. There are three R’s that are important guidelines to
does not want that follow when you see somone bullying: recognizing, responding, and
“This could be the downfall of at all! Sometimes reporting. First you have to recognize the bullying. Bullying is always
in life, you have one sided, and happens more than once. Once you recognize that
our nation, betraying our own kind
to think ahead bullying is taking place, you need to respond by being assertive and
instead of looking out for each and ignore selfish telling the bully to stop. After this, it is important to report what has
other... needs. This is happened to a teacher, or another adult that you can trust.”
why I believe that
bullying should be -Locksley Kolakowski
through if you are in a a child getting bullied could stopped today.” Grade 8, Mill Creek, WA
bullying situation. This possibly have very little to no - Bryce McKenna
could be the downfall self-confidence because of what Grade 7
of our nation, betraying has happened to him/her, which Warrenton, VA

6 7
 Address
The
Issue
“Bullies are everywhere;

“As a community, we need to focus on the bully at work, at school, in

your neighborhood.
by showing empathy, not antagonism...
‚
However, this isn t something we
Bullying is a social epidemic that has the potential to degrade our nation. should just sit back and accept. One
Bullying affects an extensive group: the bully, the bullied, the bystanders,
and the school. With cyberbullying, it has become pervasive and seemingly in three U.S. students have reported
‚
unstoppable. The harmful effects, such as criminal behavior, depression, being bullied, but this isn t just a
‚
truancy, and suicidal thoughts can advance to adulthood. Instead of number, it s a life. Classmates should
punishment, bullies should be given an opportunity to express themselves stand up for the victim. What the
in a safe environment without judgment. Schools should offer programs that
victim needs the most is to have
focus on self esteem, cultural diversity, and life skills.”
support. Bullies have a rationale, and
-Idira Fayson, Grade 6, Poolesville, MD need guidance to visualize it. Punishing
the bully will not solve everything.
“Bullying is such an issue and “Bullying. One word that can mean so
some people choose to do much. Pain. Harassment. Being an outcast. Parents and teachers need to become
nothing about it because they These are the reasons that bullying needs approachable to discussions.”
are scared. We live in a society to be addressed. No one deserves these
where people are so quick feelings. What can we do to stop it? Two -Sanam Parwani, Grade 8, Glenshaw, PA
to judge someone by their words, tolerance and acceptance. What
appearance, and they don’t I mean by these words is that we need
know what that person could to tolerate people who view the world
be going through.” differently than we do and accept them for
that. We also need to accept people who
-Kristen Adams, Grade 6 break out of this mold we put people in.”
Lake Stevens, WA -Victoria Martison, Grade 8, Lynnwood, WA
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 “Bullying
Hurts...
Years of being bullied builds
up mounds of anger and hurt,
and when people act out in rage
it ends up hurting themselves
and others. In any situation, our
words and actions bite, making
little wounds
‚ that we remember,
whether it s a look or the way
somone acts, it lowers our self-
worth. Every person is valuable,
and you can remind him/her of
that. Be aware of those who are
hurting. Reach out to them with ‚
compassion. Be brave and don t
be afraid to stand up for others.”

- Celia Teague, Grade 7, Monroe, WA

The “Physical, verbal, relational, and

cyber are all forms of bullying,

Evolution of
and they are all ways to destroy a
person. Bullying is detrimental to
any person: it causes depression,

Bullying
anxiety, low self-esteem, and at
the most extreme being suicidal.
The majority of kids know what
bullying is but they don’t know
how severe it is until it happens

W
“ ith the ever-evolving world of technology and social media, bullying to them. Everyone needs to be
has continued to change, becoming a larger and harder problem to taught how to stop bullying.”
solve. Cyberbullying is a new concept that is appearing on social media.
It is harder to solve because bullies can be anonymous and are harder to -Amy Roth, Grade 7, Warrenton, VA
track down.” - Lynzley Kolakowski, Grade 8, Mill Creek, WA
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 92%
WHY DO KIDS BULLY?

Influences and factors that affect us:

of 3rd - 5th grade students said

they felt sorry for students who

were bullied, but sympathy often
does not translate into action
TYPES OF BULLYING
FAMILY COMMUNITY FRIENDS SCHOOL
Bullying is a complex issue with many influences
and risk factors. if you see bullying going on Tell
a teacher or an adult you trust, try to talk the
bully out of doing what they are doing, use your
words and not your fists to stand up to the bully.

WHY DO KIDS REMAIN SILENT?

CYBERBullying is:
PHYSICAL SOCIAL VERBAL

Other forms of bullying include making fun of

someone, calling people names, saying insults,
CYBER

1 in 10
A serious problem that affects kids nationwide. spreading rumors, being shoved, beaten, students reach out for help
Cyberbullying is defined as “willful and repeated spit on, or excluded from activities, being
harm inflicted throught the use of computers, threatened, being forced to do something
cell phones, and other electronic devices.” ALL you dont want to do or having your property
kids and adults have a responsibility to help stop destroyed or damaged.

1 in 6
this problem.
others remain silent and deal with it alone.
Cyberbullying
FACTS OF BULLYING
Many children do not report bullying to adults, a
can often be more trend that becomes more pronounced as children

2x
become older specifically seen more in boys.

Teens are cyberbullied damaging emotionally

Girls are more likely
than boys to be
cyberbullied.
Boys are more likely to be bullied physically.
Other reasons kids remain silent:
and more hurtful
MIDDLE SCHOOLERS are more likely to Fear of retaliation from the bully, being
report being made fun of, pushed or other than physical afraid they will be called a tattle-tail, and
physical abuse, threats, being excluded, Lack of confidence that adults will help.
bulllying.
having property destroyed or forced to
do things they dont want to do.

BE MORE THAN A BYSTANDER!

boys tend to be bullied HIGH SCHOOLERS are more likely to
report being cyberbullied.
by boys where girls are
bullied by both boys STAND UP, SPEAK UP, AND SPEAK OUT AGAINST BULLYING.
Age & gender factor in to
and girls.
why kids are bullied more SOURCES
http://www.stopbullying.gov/image-gallery/what-you-need-to-know-infographic.html
than differences in culture. https://www.cabinetreport.com/human-resources/age-and-gender-factor-into-bullying-more-than-language
http://www.kidshelpphone.ca/Kids/InfoBooth/Bullying/Types-of-Bullying.aspx
http://www.nerdgraph.com/inside-cyber-bullying/
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 Artwork display by the students at >>
Grafton Middle School in Yorktown, VA.

Ways for

Coping

“When possible, disregard the bully, particularly for one-time cases.

Divert attention, try thinking about what you’ll do next weekend.
Surround yourself with positive people who know you and will boost your
confidence. Try to get help, including friends, older brothers and sisters,
teachers, or parents. Remember, everyone has a right to live, work and
play in an environment free from bullying, harrassment, discrimination,
and violence. Do not stand up for a bully, stand up for the person who is
getting bullied. We need confidence too so we can be successful.”
-Samanvitha Javagal, Grade 5, Glendale, AZ

“Kids witness bullying everyday, but don’t know how to react.

One of the most useful, but underutilized methods is making a
joke out of it. For example:
(Bully): “You run like a girl!”
(You): “I know, so try to keep up.”
Everyone likes a little humor once in a while.”
- Michael Kokolis, Grade 5, Williamsburg, VA

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Model
Respect for
others
“Bullying can cause depression, anxiety, and even
suicide. The person being bullied usually struggles
in defending themselves, so we have to help.
Parents can model tolerance and respect for others.
They can monitor computer and phone activity.
Teachers can watch for signs of bullying and show
support and concern. We can be kind to those who
are targets of bullying. We can remind each other
that we are all different, not better or worse, just
different.”
-Josiah Buskirk, Grade 8, Lilburn, GA
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“Physical
contact
never solves
a problem.
take a stand.
speak up...”
-Camille Saverino, Grade 3, Greenville, NC
“No one likes being bullied so why let
it happen in our community?”
- Ethan Queen, Grade 6, Lake Stevens, WA
“Bullying needs to be addressed
because all it does is harm others.
The solution: kindness, awareness,
and forgiveness. When someone
offends you, kindness would be the
least expected act of revenge. Some
people do not know the brunt of their
words; they need forgiveness for past
mistakes to help cease bullying.”
- Katie Ross, Grade 8, Mukiliteo, WA
“There is always a light at the end of
the tunnel in situations like bullying.
Don’t feel like you’re trapped, you
always have solutions.”
-Dominique Luna, Grade 5, Glendale, AZ
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 The “Buddy Bench” at Waller Mill Elementary School in

>>
Williamsburg, VA, is a safe place where students can sit if they
feel like they are being bullied. Their teacher or friends can come
and sit with them to talk about the situation.

S
“ tudents at my school
are often teased for
being in the minority.
The school tries to fix
this through longwinded
assemblies, but those
don’t change the way
people act towards
each other. What we
really need are ways
to get to know each
other so that we don’t
judge each other for
our differences. Schools
could do a once-a-
week field day where
students have to work
in groups to solve
problems. Students
would soon become “What can I do? I can speak up if I feel uncomfortable with
friendly with each someone’s actions or words. My school can create a safe environment
other by overcoming where bullying can’t happen. My classmates can treat everyone with

Learn and
challenges together. respect and stand up for others.” -Farrah Sturges, Grade 7, Warrenton, VA
Once all students

Practice
become friends with
one another, they will “Bullying distracts you natural consequences to positive attention.
from learning and forming stop bullying, including Schools and families must

Solutions
no longer want to tease
community service, such have ongoing discussions
each other. ” healthy friendships. It
can affect a person both as maintaining a school to raise awareness about
mentally and physically by garden or fostering an all types of bullying.”
-Rebecca Yermish, Grade 7 animal in the classroom
causing eating disorders, -Kai Hartmann, Grade 8
Marlton, NJ so students can learn
depression and anxiety. I Lynnwood, WA
can step in when someone compassion for other
is being bullied, report the living things. Parents can
issue, and befriend the volunteer so all kids
victim. Schools can use receive guidance and
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 Stand Up
and Be

Strong
If you are bullied, you should be

strong. I came up with a different

meaning for the word STRONG.

STRONG also means: “Classmates can step

in and stop the bully.
Stand up for yourself
Parents can stop
bullying by going to
Trust friends and teachers the school or talking
to the parents of
Remember to be the bigger person the bully. I can stop
Only talk to teachers, friends, and
bullying by stepping
in when I see it
family about this happening. If bullying
is going on in your
Never let a bully get to you school, step up and
Go and stop the bully
stop it.”
-McKenna Edge, Grade 8
Minden, LA
-Victoria Bliley, Grade 5, Williamsburg, VA

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 ’
“We re all
special in our
own way. You
’
don t have to
be the same
to fit in, so be
”
different.

-Anastasia Halacy, Grade 5, Williamsburg, VA

>> Students from Grafton

Middle School in
Yorktown, Virginia,
made posters with
one positive word
they thought best
described them.

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The National Center for State Courts

NCSC believes civics education contributes to mutual respect in

a democratic society. Our Justice Case Files series of illustrated
novels was created to educate the public about civics education.
The story lines for the series were developed by judges, court
administrators, and other legal professionals. A comprehensive
lesson plan accompanies each book. For more information go to:
ncsc.org/Education-and-Careers/Civics-Education/Justice-Case-Files

NCSC’s mission is to promote the rule of law and to improve the

administration of justice in the state courts and courts around the world.

NCSC is an independent, non-profit tax-exempt organization in accordance with

Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

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