The Fight Against Bullying
Bullying can be a pervasive problem in all aspects of life. Regardless of age, people get browbeaten, tormented, and mocked for often arbitrary reasons. Though bullying tends to end in people’s lives as they get older, it can also become more difficult to see in others’ lives.
The federally funded organization StopBullying.gov states, “Behaviors that are traditionally considered bullying among school-aged youth often require new attention and strategies in young adults and college students. Many of these behaviors are considered crimes under state and federal law and may trigger serious consequences after the age of 18.” This is why it is so essential not only to foster an environment where bullying is heavily discouraged but also to actively prevent it. PVCC student Kritagya Gurung has started the PVCC Bully Prevention Club.
“I wanted to make this club since I was bullied in middle school by being pushed into lockers,” Gurung said when asked what initially made him create the Bully Prevention Club. “I want to teach students to stand up to bullying and how to protect others from bullying” In higher education, bullying typically doesn’t include physical violence; it is more associated with exclusion and rudeness. Violence still happens after high school though, and it becomes more and more important to create a campus that prevents bullying in the first place. The club meets on Mondays from noon to 1 p.m.
Gurung’s primary point is that it is important not only to stand up for yourself and others, but to become more vigilant in preventing bullying and exclusionary actions. “I want to help others who are weak and help them to be brave and strong,” Gurung said.
