14 DAY TRIAL // Bullying is a serious issue in schools all over the world. In the wake of two 11-year-old American boys taking their own lives after being bullied and harassed on school grounds, Disney star Demi Lovato is speaking up against such common practices, saying that authorities should get more involved in these incidents, as well as take measures to prevent them from happening in the first place.
In the same message on her Twitter page, Lovato also hints that she too was once a victim of school bullying. However, she does not dwell on the subject, only sharing that she will discuss it some other time, and stressing that such incidents can leave one scarred for life. As the cases of the two boys mentioned above who have taken their lives show, bullying can even push the victims to harm themselves.
“It honestly amazes me how schools refuse to take action in verbal abuse… they SAY they do, but this [is] what ends up happening. So, so sad…” Lovato tells about the attitude officials usually display when they’re told of an abuse case in their school. “I can’t explain what I went through when I left public school to start homeschooling… One day I will. But right now… Just know what you say to someone can effect them for the rest of their life.” the singer and actress further writes.
Speaking of bullying, just yesterday, it emerged that British champion diver Tom Daley, who stunned the world with his performance at the Beijing Olympics, was being bullied in school precisely for his many sports achievements. At just 14, Tom has come to the conclusion that homeschooling is, perhaps, the best option for him, especially since he’s away on competitions most of the time either way. Of course, his father disagrees, saying that he is entitled to a proper education and he will move him to another school if the authorities here continue to ignore his many pleas to take measures against the bullies.
“The bullying is severe. He has been tackled to the floor walking through the school field and in class they throw pens and pencils at him. Some of them have even threatened to break his legs. That was the last straw. It has got to the point where enough is enough. The school has had plenty of opportunities to sort it out but it hasn’t been done. Unless they can show me that it has stopped I’ll have to move him to another school. It’s just jealousy – it can’t be anything else. He just wants to go to school and be educated and he has the right to do that.” Mr. Daley was telling The Guardian yesterday.