Orlagh Winters: It’s Time We All Stood Up To The Bullies Out There

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Orlagh New 1THIS morning I saw a powerful video on Facebook called The Power to Stand Up by Kerry woman and former Irish Rugby star Siobhan Fleming (it can be viewed at the end of this column).

It is a thought-provoking video encouraging us all to stand up to bullies.

Bullies are everywhere from the classroom to the workplace, even on our roads. They are horrible and they can really affect the mental health of the person who is subjected to the bullying.  How many of us have seen a bully in action and regretted not doing something about it?

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Sometimes it is easier to turn the other cheek for fear of ridicule or indeed the attention of the bullying being turned onto oneself. This is how the bullies thrive, when nobody steps up and says a resounding “No”.

Often the bully has been bullied themselves and knows no different and as a result they use the behaviour as a coping mechanism. Thankfully teachers are trained nowadays to spot the signs and intervene when they need to.

Often though, bullying can take place unbeknown to the parents or teachers as it takes place online and on social media sites. It is a sad part of the times that we are living in. Siobhan’s video gives a strong message that we all have our part to play in standing up and doing what is right.

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We need to stop ignoring the behaviour of some and help in some small way to combat the bullies. They will only be eradicated if we lead by example.

Next time that you are tempted to like a mean post on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, stop and think how the person is feeling or indeed how you would like if the post were about you. Better still, object to the post and point out that it is a nasty piece and one that you strongly disagree with.

Weight, race, style, sporting disappointments, there is nothing that we don’t see regularly chastised on social media. Who gives us the right to criticise? Opinions are subjective and just because yours may differ from others does not mean that you have to be in any way vocally critical.

Bullies will only thrive if they are given they attention that they crave so today do your little bit to put a stop to this unacceptable behaviour. You never know what a kind word and a gram of support may do for another person.

In an age where mental health problems and depression are rampant, be kind. Last weekend people walked for Darkness Into Light to highlight awareness for Pieta House, let us all keep the good vibe going and make a difference in someone’s world.

Until next week,

Be kind!

Orlagh xx

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