Imagine a world where a child’s laughter is silenced by the cruel words of their peers, where the sparkle in their eyes fades away due to relentless bullying. This is the harsh reality that many children face every day, and it’s time to put an end to it.
“Bullying creates fear and anxiety in many students and it’s hard to find the motivation to attend school surrounded by people who make fun of you, it causes many students to miss school out of fear that they will be bullied on campus and not only does it affect them academically but also mentally,” senior Annette Fuerte said. “It is very common for high school students to struggle with their mental health, and bullying can sometimes be the cause of that or make it worse but sadly, bullying is very common in school settings, and it affects everyone.”
Sammy Teusch was a 10-year-old from Fort Wayne, IN, who had a bright future ahead of him. He was known for his infectious smile and kind heart, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. However, beneath his cheerful exterior, Sammy faced relentless bullying at school. The constant torment took a toll on his mental health, and on May 5 of this year, Sammy tragically took his own life. His death left a void in the community and served as a harsh reminder of the devastating impact bullying can have on young lives.
“It’s heartbreaking to hear when anyone takes their own life especially when it’s a student and it’s because of bullying, you always think about if there was something that you missed or didn’t notice that could have prevented the outcome,” history teacher Garrett Suttle said. “It can be frustrating because you always think if someone would have stepped in to stop the bullying, how the outcome would have changed.”
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, about 20% of students report being bullied. The consequences of bullying are severe and long-lasting, affecting mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. The CDC reports that students who experience bullying are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, lower academic achievement, and dropping out of school.
“Bullying can significantly impact the overall atmosphere of safety at school because when students experience or witness bullying it can create an environment filled with fear, anxiety or mistrust,” senior Joanna Galvan said. “This can lead to a decrease in students’ willingness to participate in school activities and in their grades so it’s important for everyone to understand the emotional toll of bullying on anyone, as it can affect their mental health in a harsh way.”
Consider the heartbreaking story of 13-year-old Rosalie Avila from California. Rosalie was a beautiful, vibrant young girl who loved to draw and had dreams of becoming a lawyer. However, she was subjected to cruel bullying at school, which led her to take her own life in November 2017. Her parents found her in her room with a journal filled with apologies and a note saying, “Sorry, Mom and Dad. I love you.”
“Teachers and school staff should understand that the emotional toll of bullying can be profound and long-lasting like it can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, and even impact a student’s academic performance and social relationships,” junior Maria Spencer said. “Recognizing and addressing these emotional impacts is crucial in creating a supportive and safe school environment.”
Another devastating case is that of 12-year-old Mallory Grossman from New Jersey. Mallory was a cheerleader and gymnast who loved to make everyone around her smile. She was relentlessly bullied, both in person and online, which led her to take her own life in June 2017. Her parents have since become advocates for anti-bullying initiatives, striving to ensure that no other family has to endure the pain they have experienced.
“You can first start supporting by building trust and relationships with one another to make them feel safe and open with you,” sophomore Alaina Foglemen said. “Support them by respecting their boundaries, differences, traits, and culture.”
These stories highlight the urgent need for action. Bullying is not just a harmless rite of passage; it is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences. Schools, parents, and communities must work together to create a safe and supportive environment for all students. This includes implementing comprehensive anti-bullying policies, providing support for victims, and fostering a culture of kindness and respect.
“I wish teachers and staff realized that high school is some people’s whole life and their friends are there and they spend 8+ hours a day dedicated to it,” junior Riley Jones said. “A lot of their advice is easier said than done and ‘High school drama’ isn’t just drama when high school is the main component of your life at the moment.”
Willis ISD recently released a video discussing Care Solace and the service it provides. The video feature counselors and district and community leaders discussing how parents can help their children when they face tough times.
“Together we can build a supportive community where every child feels valued and heard,” Judge Wayne mack said in the video.
In remembering Sammy Teusch, Rosalie Avila, Mallory Grossman, and countless others, it is crucial to pledge to stand up against bullying. Be the voice for those who suffer in silence and ensure that no more lives are lost to this preventable tragedy. It is time to take bullying seriously and to act with compassion and urgency.
“It breaks my heart when people take their own lives because I’ve been a teenager once and I know that school and personal life can combine to be a lot,” school counselor Brittany Wheaton said. “One thing that I would definitely want to convey to students is that yes life can be hard and the hard doesn’t necessarily go away but we learn to do the hard better and get to tomorrow.”
