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Uniting Against What’s Wrong

By: Rilynn Reigles (Managing Editor)

FMS Stands Strong Against Bullying

A nationwide problem, bullying has affected U.S. children from the West Coast to the East Coast. Different places have various cases of bullying, with some being more frequent and harmful, while some places are not as bad. From social skills to education, to even physical health, bullying affects children and students tremendously.

Bullying is a heavy topic, and sometimes people tend to use the word lightly without knowing all the details that bullying entails. Situations involving bullying often occur around schools, sports teams, at home, or during any other activity that young children or students are participating in. This ends up being a sensitive and complicated subject. So, making sure to know the meaning of what bullying really is can mean a substantial difference between simple conflict and a child’s mental health.

A bully is the word used to describe a person who continuously wants to cause harm to those who are not perceived as strong or are more vulnerable than them. Many cases of bullying can cause mental health struggles on both the victim’s side and the bully’s side. These things can consist of depression, anxiety, substance use, and even suicidal thoughts.

In the United States, there is expected to be one out of every five students or kids who have experienced or are suffering from bullying. In Colorado, the number of kids being bullied is lower than most of the national average, though this doesn’t mean it’s not still happening.

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From classroom to classroom, I discussed many questions and answers with the students, teachers, and administrators of FMS regarding bullying. Through the different opinions and thoughts, many concluded that when dealing with a situation of bullying, it is important to be educated and prepared, providing a safe and supportive community to rally around all students.

Mrs. Romero, the counselor for students with last names starting with A–L, has had real experience dealing with bullying, and because of this, she is a great source and has great resources from stopbullying.gov. When asked about the effects that bullying has on young students and children, Mrs. Romero explained there are many negative effects, including “increased risks of depression and anxiety.” Bullying can cause all kinds of problems with mental health, and because of this, Mrs. Romero also says, “Knowing the potential effects and how to support kids in bullying situations is important to making sure kids get the help and resources they need to heal.” Giving students a safe space to share what they need can help solve a problem, but also help to make the school community stronger. This is because when we provide a safe and trusting environment for the students of Fruita, we are able to build good, strong relationships with those around us.

It is important to know what students feel about bullying around schools, sports, and extracurriculars. When we are able to grasp what they feel, it also helps trusted adults understand how bullying really affects kids. Emily Kesler, an 8th-grade student here at FMS, was asked about the things she can do for her friends or family who are experiencing bullying. “Let them know that you’re there to help them, and just be someone they can go to when they need it.” Having a safe friendship to lean on can help tremendously when a student is struggling with bullying. “Don’t keep it to yourself; tell someone who can help you,” Kesler says when asked about what a student should do and what she would do if she was being bullied. She explains that telling a trusted adult, either at school or at home, can truly help. If you don’t seek out help, then it is hard to stop bullying, especially if that bullying is happening over social media.

There are many places where bullying can happen, including the classroom and after-school activities. But another substantial place bullying could be happening is in elective classes, especially physical education. Mrs. O’Hara, one of the PE coaches at FMS, has given good insight as to what students should be provided with if they are experiencing bullying. “A good thing to provide to students who are struggling against bullying is consistent support and a safe environment.” Mrs. O’Hara explained that students need to feel safe and have a place where they can be themselves. One way this is achieved is by letting students know that they can trust teachers, administrators, and counselors at school. Coach O’Hara also believes that students need “clear strategies and skills for handling bullying.” She discussed that it is important for students to know how to proceed calmly and smoothly when dealing with bullying. Mrs. O’Hara was also asked about what good agreements and “solutions” could happen between the bully and the victim. “Rather than simply being punished, the goal is to change behavior by addressing how people feel, why the behavior happened, and how to move forward safely.” Coach O’Hara explained that she wants to make sure to hear all sides of a story and ensure that both students and adults involved understand the motivations for any action being taken.

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When school is in session, the people who see the kids most are, of course, the teachers. Because of this, teachers are able to recognize changes in behavior and patterns that students may begin to show if they are suffering from bullying. Mrs. Morgan, one of the 7th-grade social studies teachers, says, “The student will start acting out in negative ways or become more withdrawn and quiet,” in regard to some of the behavior changes teachers notice. She explains that when she notices these changes and difficulties, she will “usually take the student aside and check in with them.” Noticing the changes in students can make a big differenece in how comfortabl a student is in the school enviroment. When asked about what she wants students to know about bullying, Mrs. Morgan explains, “I think kids should know that we do have a great support system here at FMS. We have wonderful, caring counselors, amazing teachers and trusted adults, and supportive principals who care so much for our students.” It is important for students to understand that FMS has a strong support system, and if they need anything, they can come to counselors, teachers, and administration for help if they are in dangerous or harmful situations.

FMS has worked endlessly to make sure that students, teachers, and administrators are well educated on bullying. Mr. Johnston, the head principal, has said, “It’s important for people to be educated.” When elaborating on this, he explains that it is important to understand the difference between natural conflict and real bullying. When asked about what FMS is doing to prevent bullying, Mr. Johnston said, “Not being afraid to have those conversations is a big part of it.” Having real conversations that educate and explain the causes and effects of bullying can help students realize how serious of a problem it can become if it is not addressed with empathy and trust. Many people talk about the advice they have for students who are experiencing bullying, but the adults who are dealing with the conflicts are a major part of how everything plays out. “Only do what you’re comfortable with,” Mr. Johnston says regarding what teachers should know when dealing with bullying. He explained that it is important for teachers to know their limits and how much they are able to take on. It is okay for adults to ask for help from other adults, especially if it is in the best interest of students.

Overall, FMS is continuously working to make sure that it is a safe and educated learning community. Students, teachers, and administrators are constantly staying alert for any signs of bullying or recurring conflict. This can mean the difference between a safe student and a major problem. If nothing is said, then nothing can be done. So remember: if you see something, say something.

If you or someone you love is experiencing bullying then please, text or call Safe2Tell, 1-877-542-7233, for reporting the incident. (Safe2Tell is for reporting, and early intervening, not counseling.)

Information got from:

National Bullying Prevention Center

Inner body (https://www.innerbody.com/which-us-states-struggle-most-with-bullying)

Stopbullying.gov

FMS POLICIES

Taken by Rilynn Reigles

UNITING AGAINST BULLYING

Picture generated from: Canva AI

AI Canva generated by Kadia Mininger.

The Truth About Insecurities

By: Kadia Mininger (Editor of Features)

You look over your shoulder, wondering what people think about you. Heart pounding, breath shaky. You ask yourself, Will this feeling ever end? Many have the same feeling, but it has never been addressed. Students all over the world question what people think of them, causing them to be insecure. This is a problem we all face and should not be pushed aside like it’s another problem that is unsolvable.

An insecurity is a feeling of inadequacy, self-doubt, and anxiety regarding one’s abilities, appearance, or relationships, often stemming from past trauma, fear of failure, or social pressure. Why do insecurities need to be addressed? How do insecurities affect students in their everyday lives? How do we try to solve these problems? All of these are great questions that are very important and shouldn’t be ignored. Let’s break it down.

First question: why do insecurities need to be addressed? Insecurities need to be addressed because they affect people’s mental health. For example, when you are insecure about something, you start viewing yourself as unwanted or not beautiful, and this can lead to even worse mental health.

“If you address your insecurities, you can build confidence and you will learn to appreciate yourself,” Ruth McKee, 8th-grade ELA teacher.

The second question is: how do insecurities affect students in their everyday lives? Insecurities affect students in their everyday lives by causing them to try to be what people want them to be instead of being themselves. For instance, some students feel insecure about their looks and try to change what they look like just to please others, when in reality it damages their soul and the way they view themselves. When this happens, they feel uncomfortable and not wanted for who they really are. This can also affect them while they are learning in school by making it hard to focus on their assignments and what the teacher is saying.

“Insecurities affect our lives a lot, especially with social media and the internet under our fingertips; it can be a lot. I know as a young girl that I compare myself a lot to others, and I know that I’m not the only one. A lot of kids I know have said that they don’t feel smart enough, or that this other kid is smarter, or that this person is prettier than me. Comparison is human, unfortunately, and it happens quite often. And not only does it affect them at school, but at home as well. When kids are on social media, sometimes they can see what other people have and get sad about their life and think that theirs sucks compared to the other person they see on a screen. This is how insecurities like that affect your life. They affect how you feel about yourself, how you feel about the world around you, how you focus, or how you interact around others,” Marley Cordova, 8th-grade student.

The final question that needs to be answered is: how do we try to solve these problems? This question stumps many people, and I think we can all come to the conclusion that we can’t completely solve them, but we can learn not to listen to those insecurities. Let’s say you are insecure about not being good enough—look at your past accomplishments and tell yourself things like, I did something great! or I am so proud of myself! It may sound cheesy, I know, but one day it can help you get through your insecurities and boost your confidence.

“I think we try to solve insecurities by trying to fit in, or cover it up, or look like others. For example, if I don't like my hair, I would cut it, put it up, or put a hat on. But in reality, nobody probably notices,” Addison Davis, 7th-grade student.

So if you are a parent, a teacher, a student, or even just someone who decided to look at this page, keep encouraging yourself and telling yourself positive things because when you do, your insecurities will fade away. This will boost your confidence, and with confidence, you can do many things. Thank you for reading, and never forget that you are great, beautiful, kind, and much more.

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