Gossip and Rumors

GOSSIP AND RUMORS!

by Grace

Have you ever heard someone talk to a person about a negative topic that is about a certain person? That is gossip. GOSSIP IS NOT A BONDING TOOL. Gossip is a hurtful rumor that is untrue or a secret you wanted to keep to yourself. Gossip is unkind and has hurt a lot of people. Gossip is DEFINITELY NOT KIND. 

You may ask how we can prevent gossip? Well we can use PARK: Perseverance, Advocacy, Responsibility, and Kindness. You can use advocacy and stand up for what's right. Advocacy means standing up for yourself and other people. For example, if someone is talking about you behind your back, go to them and say, “Excuse me, I heard this untrue rumor about me and I do not like how you are speaking about me behind my back. Please stop immediately.” If they do not stop, tell a trusted adult. 

If you gossip, stop doing it! Nobody likes gossip. It is rude, hurtful, and if you do it constantly you're bullying. Please know gossip never helps a situation. It makes the situation worse.

Now let's talk about rumors. You may ask but isn't gossip the same as a rumor? Kind of. You see, gossip is true or untrue information that gets spread around behind someone's back. Some of the gossip is telling someone about something cool a person did but the person people are gossiping about doesn't know people are gossiping about them. And a rumor is also true or untrue information that also gets spread around but the difference is a rumor is mostly negative information. Rumors have the same side effect. Rumors make people feel bad about themself. 

Rumors and gossip should not be spread, they are mean, and it hurts. Don't gossip or spread rumors because as you get older you might have the feeling of regret. Regret has different side effects. Some of them are stomach aches, panic attacks, and more. In my opinion those side effects scare me. I don't want you or me to live with guilt for gossiping and spreading rumors. I hope you can use advocacy and stand up for yourself and others. And if anyone is spreading rumors or gossiping about you make sure to tell a trusted adult or you can advocate for yourself.

Let's all talk about advocacy. Advocacy is, as you probably know, standing up for yourself and others. If you're using advocacy don't be rude. Be kind. Don't go up to them and say, "Hey rudies, can you like just not? You're being jerks. Ugh." That is an example of what not to do! What you should do is go up to them kindly and say, "Please stop gossiping or spreading rumors about me." Advocacy, trust me, it will help the situation. Being mean will not. If you're in a big group and you're talking about yourself, that is not gossip. I hope this article helps. Use advocacy and don't gossip!