Bullying

Bullying has become a big issue in schools all around the world. People who are different from us are more likely to get bullied as they are misunderstood.

Everyone has a story. It may be something they have gone through in the past or something they are still dealing with that makes them look different from others. It is easy to look down on someone who does not do things as well as you do or who is different from you. However, we should never look down on someone as we don’t know how far that person has already climbed. Sometimes we try to make ourselves great by making someone else look small and this is bullying. The moment you think you have the right to belittle others because you think you are better than they are is the moment you prove you have no power. Therefore, we should all treat people with respect.

Acknowledging others’ feelings and treating people with respect helps create a harmonious learning environment. When someone is speaking, we should listen carefully without interrupting or being rude. Even if you disagree with someone, you can still talk to them and treat them with respect. What is good is that when you treat others with respect, you will likely be treated with respect in return. If you don’t like the way you are treated, there is only one course of action – to change your own behaviour because you cannot change anyone else’s. Relationships function like a mirror that reflects back onto how you treat others. Treating people with respect is important to create a harmonious learning environment.

I absolutely agree with the core message of the book. We should treat everyone with kindness not because they are kind-hearted, but we need to be. One of the greatest gifts we can give one another is kindness. If someone is in need, lend a helping hand. Don’t do it only for the people you like and respect, but also for the ones who drive you crazy and those you don’t even know. True kindness lies in the act of giving without the expectation of getting something in return.