Drawing the line

It is important to know the difference between bullying and joking because in school and even on normal days, you point out imbalances in almost everything. You point out one’s color, physical appearance, weight, height, the way they talk, and even the way they do things just because you consider it funny. You throw insults at others to expose the flaws they possess. Sometimes, you do it because you see your friends doing it too.

Since we are accustomed to it, pointing out one other’s distinctions is prevalent in our daily lives. In social settings, we call it “jokes” and it is particularly observed within friend groups. It is a way of maintaining the mood while letting go of limitations. We often say to them “Don’t be affected by it, it’s just a joke.” However, there is a difference between joking and bullying someone. Bullying is an act in which an individual causes harm to someone weaker than them, both physically and mentally over and over again. Since the purpose of jokes is to make people laugh, they normally don’t have a negative effect. There are some subjects that one is advised not to make jokes about since they are disrespectful. Bullying is always damaging and undesirable, whereas joking may be a constructive and fun kind of social contact. Joking fosters a good environment, whereas bullying aims to hurt or control the target of the joke. Bullying can occur when jokes are made about a specific person or group (Smith, 2023). For those who are biased, the idea that “a joke is just a joke” trivializes the treatment of historically disadvantaged social groups, such as women, homosexual people, ethnic minorities, and religious minorities, which furthers their prejudiced attitudes that may lead to bullying.

You never realize that the words

I am a former student of BCNHS who have recently transferred to Hibunawan NHS. As we all know, one of the requirements for a student to be officially enrolled in a school is the form 137 which I can get from my previous school. With the newly implemented strict school rules and policies, I was not allowed by the security guard to enter your school premises because I no longer have my BCNHS school ID and I do not have yet my new school ID from HNHS as I am still a new student here. I tried explaining it to him so he would allow me to enter the gate but to no avail. I do understand that this new policy of the school is only being implemented for the good and safety of the students and everyone in the campus.

If so, may I know what steps do I need to take for me to be able to enter BCNHS campus without having a school ID?

James Rellama Buraburon National High School

you say to other people will affect them more than you know. Saying statements many times that are unnecessary for them to hear might lead to stress, worry, despair, emotions of embarrassment, fear, insult, insecurity, and other signs of mental health issues. This behavior is observed in those who lack empathy for others or who only like the attention that comes from intentionally hurting people with their comments. These activities may eventually give someone a sense of power or influence over their intended target.

Even though it should never be considered “normal,” it is now so prevalent that it is recognized as such. Imagine how difficult it would be to make the changes you so desperately want to make just because you are subjected to so much disrespect and indifference. Just take a moment to consider what you say to others, even your friends and family, won’t do any harm. Ask yourself if you think that the comments you’ll say are underhanded. And if it is, just keep the thought to yourself. It is not hard to empathize with other people.

Thank you for your telegram.

This saying needs to be permanently engraved on our minds so that we will remember it before making a harsh or hurtful remark. “Don’t treat others the way you wouldn’t want them to treat you” is a wise maxim.

Regarding your concern as to how to enter BCNHS campus without a school ID since you have already moved to a different school and since you have to process your form 137, all you need to do is bring with you the request letter from your school. This request letter for claiming the form 137 can be requested from your school’s registrar’s office, filled-out by your new teacher adviser and signed by your school principal. As long as you have this letter with you, showing your real purpose in coming to BCNHS, then you would indeed be allowed to enter and then will be able to process your form 137.

I hope I was able to answer your concern. If not, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

The Editors The Dove