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Candler Elementary School in Ashville, North Carolina has gained national attention over the last few weeks for its ambiguous efforts to end bullying by eliminating the factor that induced the ridicule and torture of a nine year old boy. That’s right, instead of punishing the tormentors of the victim, the school recommended that Grayson Bruce leave his My Little Pony backpack at home because it was a “trigger for bullying.”

Outraged by the school’s decision, thousands of supporters nationwide have expressed their opinions, opening up a much needed discussion on how our culture might be prompting more people to bully and discriminate. Some of these people can be found here at Bellwood-Antis School District.

“The school’s decision sends out the wrong message. It says the VICTIM is the problem and that’s not true! I think it perpetuates a culture where a social norm such as preconceived judgment is acceptable and it should not be,” Miss Trostle, who this semester is serving as an intern in the Guidance Office, stated in a brief interview.

Assistant Principal Mrs. Adams said, “I have zero tolerance for bullying in any aspect. A kid should not have to be afraid of being ridiculed for who he/she is. They should be able to express themselves as an individual!”

In his own remarks Grayson told WLOS-TV, “Kids are taking it too far, with punching, pushing me down, calling me horrible names, and that stuff really shouldn’t happen.”

There are countless stories similar to Grayson’s. Although some consider bullying to only be a “child thing,” it is actually prominent to people of all ages and walks of life. However, it is worth noting that over 3.2 million children are bullied each year and sadly, few of these incidents are actually reported by the victim.

Without a doubt, we have all witnessed bullying in one way or another, whether it is in school or in the work place. However, too few of us actually understand the consequences of these dangerous actions. Common warning signs that someone is being bullied include: lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry, frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick, changes in eating habits, declining grades, not wanting to go to school, and decreased self-esteem. A more serious result of bullying, which is rising at an alarming rate, is suicide. The main question being asked is, “Why?” In society we live in today, we are being programmed at a young age to bully. Kids see biased humor on television, in politics, in clothing stores, and just all over the place seeping into the human conscious that this is an adequate way to live. Well, it’s not. To belittle or demoralize another human being for his/her own expression of individuality is not only unacceptable, it’s morally wrong.

If you experience unfair treatment based on the clothes you wear, the family you come from, your gender, weight, race, sexuality, religion don’t be afraid, SAY SOMETHING! “I feel like many kids are being bullied and do not say anything about it. My advice to you is to tell, tell, and tell again until you catch someone’s attention. Don’t wait until it’s too late,” instructs Mrs. Adams.

Miss Trostle also added, “We have a caring faculty and staff here at Bellwood-Antis, who are willing to help students. Other options reach out into our community and not only that, but many kids have supportive parents, too!”

Bullying is no laughing matter; it is very serious. Most of us don’t even consider the outcomes when we talk about others behind their backs, post on social media, and ridicule those who seem “different” than we are. Everyone deserves a sense of purpose. Although not everyone may agree, that doesn’t make it any less right. Look at every situation and step inside the person’s shoes before you speak. The girl you just called fat? She has been starving herself and lost over thirty pounds. The boy you called stupid? He has a learning disability and studies over four hours a night. The girl you called ugly? She spends hours putting make-up on hoping people will like her. The boy you just tripped? He is abused enough at home. Take a hint; there is more to people than you may think.

Most importantly, to the victims that walk our hallways daily: Do not feel alone, do not be silenced by the cruel behaviors of others, just be yourself, because the people that truly matter will care about you no matter what. We can’t put bullying to an end any time in the near future, but we can gain tolerance and acceptance. Perhaps, one day we will all walk out together, not alone, and we can become the people we are truly destined to be!