Preventing Bullying with Kindness: World Day of Bullying Prevention

"The Power of Kindness" by Eden Hawes (above).

Bullying: something we have all experienced in some shape or form. Unfortunately, it happens, although, I will give our world some credit because I feel like times have changed. We have definitely pulled our weight with trying to prevent bullying. Nowadays, there are many forms of wellness programs, non-profit organizations to raise awareness, and supporting hands to reach out to others. Nonetheless, it must be recognized that bullying is something that affects people in different ways. Maybe a kid picked on you at the playground when you were young, or you received a nasty comment on your post, or someone was saying rude things about you behind your back. For some victims of bullying, they can wipe it off of their shoulders easily, but for others, they carry it heavily on them for a long time.

We all know what bullying is. I am not here to explain the different types of bullying. What I am here for is to spread an important message that resonates with me deeply: kindness. Kindness is something that is extremely important in today’s society. With all of the hate in the world, there needs kindness. In many cases, the bullies are the people who need kindness the most in their lives. If someone makes you feel insecure about yourself, it’s most likely because they are insecure about themselves. So be the best you can be! Believe in yourself and have confidence that no one can crush!

“Killing them with kindness” is something I try to practice daily. It can be hard, I know. When someone says something nasty to you or your friends, it’s easy to say something nasty back. But what do we get from that? If someone says something nasty to you, and you make 'comeback' with a kind remark, you receive internal satisfaction. If you have enough confidence and willpower to let it slide, and saying something nice back it will: (1) Make you feel proud and good inside, (2) Make the bully realize that they are the one being rude, and (3) Probably make the bully’s day a little bit better because everybody needs to hear nice words in their life. If you can practice this daily, I bet you will start seeing life in more positive ways. Why have a negative outlook on life when you’ve only got one shot here on Earth? Why spend your time on this planet making enemies when you can create wonderful relationships and spread love?

I achieved my Girl Scout Gold Award this May. I made a PSA about the importance of kindness. I believe that with kindness, we can make progress to putting an end to all of the hate and crime in the world. My PSA is linked above this article and it would mean the world to me if you viewed it and shared it with everyone you know! Being kind is something all ages and different walks of life should practice, and we connect with each other when doing so.

So, the next time someone gives you a hard time, try to be kind back. It will make them stop and realize that you are being so kind. Plus, you will make their days better than when you first saw them. You never know what the smallest act of kindness can do for someone. So why not do it?

Eden Hawes

Heart2Art Project Contributor
Instagram: @edegirl_
Gold Award Instagram: @edensgoldaward