written by Huo Chenyu

The recent news of two elementary school boys in Shanxi using extremely cruel methods to bully a classmate has deeply shocked and moved me. This news triggered memories of my own childhood when I too faced bullying from classmates. Out of fear, I chose to resist fiercely instead of confiding in my mother, and the results were far from ideal. I ended up facing criticism from the school and was ultimately forced to transfer.

During my childhood, my father's unexpected passing made me more fragile and sensitive. Some male classmates, perhaps due to my uniqueness, deliberately targeted me for bullying. Feeling isolated and unsupported, I couldn't muster the courage to tell my mother because I didn't want to worry her. As a result, I fought back vigorously, engaging in physical confrontations in an attempt to defend my dignity and respect. Unfortunately, these efforts were misunderstood, leading to school reprimands, and my mother had no choice but to transfer me to a different school, rescuing me from the nightmare of bullying.

Since then, I've learned valuable lessons about self-protection. I began to carefully maintain distance from others, not only to shield myself from harm but also to avoid unintentionally offending anyone. This experience molded me and taught me how to exercise caution in interpersonal relationships. However, it also made me realize that bullying is a grave issue that requires collective efforts to prevent.

Next, I'd like to share some insights from a high school student's perspective on how to prevent bullying in school:

1. Communication is Key: If you feel bullied or threatened, don't choose silence as I did. Seek help, confide in your parents, teachers, or school counselors, and let them know about your situation.

2. Build Friendships and Support Systems: Connect with close friends to face difficulties together. Sometimes, having someone by your side can make you feel safer.

3. Learn Conflict Resolution Skills: Develop positive communication and conflict resolution skills to address differences and disputes. This can help you avoid getting involved in fights or unnecessary violence.

4. Participate in School Activities and Clubs: Joining extracurricular activities can help you make more friends, expand your social circle, and reduce feelings of isolation.

5. Educate Others: If you witness bullying on campus, don't stand idly by. Educate others about respecting and empathizing with fellow students and encourage them not to participate in wrongful acts.

6. Take Care of Your Mental Health: Seek psychological counseling or support to help you cope with the emotional impact of bullying incidents.

I deeply understand the pain of school bullying, but I firmly believe that we can take positive measures to prevent it. Let's work together to create a friendlier, safer school environment where every student can thrive in an atmosphere of respect and care.