Forget what you’ve learned in the nursery rhyme; words do hurt. It is an unfortunate reality that many students face daily. According to the CDC, Reports of bullying are highest for middle schools (22%) compared to high schools (15%), combined schools (11%), and primary schools (8%). These stats inform us that bullying has no age limits and may increase in severity over time.
Can you recognize the signs of bullying? It may include personality and behavioral changes, loss of interest in school and social activities, changes in eating habits, physical symptoms including bumps and bruises, and poor school performance.
If you see any of these signs, you may want to share these bullying quotes with your child or class as a conversation starter for a difficult topic.
“Each of us deserves the freedom to pursue our own version of happiness. No one deserves to be bullied.”
Barack Obama
“The common mistake that bullies make is assuming that because someone is nice that he or she is weak. Those traits have nothing to do with each other. In fact, it takes considerable strength and character to be a good person.”
Mary Elizabeth Williams
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.”
Desmond Tutu
“No one heals himself by wounding another.”
St. Ambrose
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
Marcus Aurelius
“One’s dignity may be assaulted, vandalized and cruelly mocked, but it can never be taken away unless it is surrendered.”
Michael J. Fox
“With ignorance comes fear – from fear comes bigotry. Education is the key to acceptance. ”
Kathleen Patel
“Things will get easier, people’s minds will change, and you should be alive to see it.”
Ellen DeGeneres
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
“Courage is fire, and bullying is smoke.”
Benjamin Disraeli
