Authors Note

Margot Supple    811                                                                                                                                 

ELA Authors Note

When I was in kindergarten, I remember a student in our class was always being harassed for having a mental disability. Many people would write her secret notes that called her “dumb” and “ugly” all because of something she had no control over. Shortly after her first grade year, her mother passed due to cancer. However, the class did not treat her differently. Bullying starts at a young age, and unless stopped it will continue to get worse. Although my story may seem simple, it can be very relatable towards a lot of kids.

In “Bullying in Kindergarten” by Francoise Alsaker the author researches kindergartners and how they react to “aggressive and passive bullying.” In all cases of bullying Alsaker witnessed, there was always a group of people against one student. Peer rejection makes it very hard for victims to have any self confidence, therefore making it very hard for them to make friends. Bullies judge others based on their first impression, and target them right away if their stronger traits are not apparent at first. Although they might have talents like all the other kids, much like owl, peer rejection lessens the victims confidence to express themselves. Peer rejection can also pressure kids to harass the student as well, although they do not feel they deserve it. I was taught at an early age not to reject others because of their differences, but not all are. If bullying is stopped at a young age, it will not evolve as the “bully” grows up.