‘It costs nothing to be kind…but everything when you bully anyone’

The month of October has been designated as “Bullying and Violence Prevention Month” across the CNMI Public School System.

Board of Education secretary-treasurer Gregory Pat Borja and Education interim commissioner Donna M. Flores led public education leaders and stakeholders in a proclamation signing ceremony yesterday morning at the cafeteria of the Dandan Middle School.

Joining them were associate commissioner for Administrative Services Eric Magofna, senior director for Student and Support Services Yvonne R. Pangelinan, school administrators, counselors, teachers, and students from various Saipan elementary and middle high schools in witnessing the signing ceremony.

Borja expressed concern over the impact of bullying, particularly how it affects the mental and emotional well-being of students and adolescents. He appealed to students, parents, and the community to engage in a variety of awareness and prevention activities designed to make public schools safer for all children and adolescents.

In her remarks, Flores extolled the virtue of kindness: “It costs nothing to be kind and courteous, but it may cost everything, including money, freedom, and sadly even a life, when you are cruel, mean, and causing harm to another person.”

She reminded students that bullying is an “unwanted behavior by another individual or group of individuals” that is highly likely to be repeated. It can cause psychological, social and or educational harm to an individual.

Bullying comes in various forms—physical, verbal, social, or via the internet (cyberbullying). It also comes in many forms—and “none of which is acceptable,” Flores reminded students.

Bullying can take place in any campus, anywhere, and anytime. It is a serious issue that happens to one in every five students. According to the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 27.9% of middle school students and 9.9% of high school students who responded to the survey reporting being bullied on school property.

“And this is why we are all here today, to bring awareness to this social ill in hopes of empowering us all to be better citizens, better school mates and a better, more inclusive community, simply by being kind. I’m not saying you have to like everyone, but you can be civil (or polite). There’s enough hate in this world; we don’t have to contribute to that,” Flores said.

She added: “We are so fortunate to live here [on] our islands where we still value family and friends; there are so many places that no longer respect that. Let’s not be those people. We don’t know what others are already struggling with in life. Let’s face it—everybody is going through something and, oftentimes, just being in the company of others and being included, is the only comfort. So, let’s all be kind, especially in the spaces we share with others, including cyberspace.”

Flores also reminded students that schools have resources that can help students, including those who need services to handle, prevent, and stop bullying.

“[L]et’s challenge ourselves by being the better person. It may take a lot of practice, but it’s well worth it and I guarantee you it will not only make others feel good, but it will also make you feel good. And, who knows, maybe one day, you will be a role model for your younger sibling, cousin, or neighbor. And if anything, always remember that ‘a smile costs nothing, but gives much,’” she added. (PR)