Turning the Other Cheek: Bullying and Cell Phones

I was bullied pretty intensely in elementary school, so hearing about the video of the bus monitor struck a nerve.

Then I remembered a comment by Brett Veinotte of the School Sucks Podcast. He suggests using cell phone cameras to capture bad behavior.

If bullies (and their families) live in constant fear that their evil behaviors will be exposed for all the world to see, perhaps they’ll reconsider and behave more appropriately.

Step 1: The next time you see bullying, tell the bully and the crowd witnessing the event that you’re taking out your phone. Ask the bullies to stop.

Step 2: If they refuse to stop, record the bullying on your phone. Tell the bullies exactly what you’re doing and why you’re recording, while you’re recording, so you don’t get in trouble, too. Ask the crowd to keep you safe, so the bully doesn’t attack you, too.

Step 3: Tell a trusted adult about your video AFTER posting it to YouTube, so it can’t be deleted or covered up.

Maybe with this three-step plan, we can reduce the number and intensity of bullying events.

Please remember to use your phone and the power of crowds to keep people safe. Together, we can make a positive difference!