2023: Anyone can fall victim to bullying, that’s why it is so meaningful for us to celebrate May 4th, international Anti-Bullying Day! A Canadian student, Travis Price witnessed a fellow student getting bullied for wearing a pink shirt. He and his classmate bought and gave out pink shirts to everyone as a way to show solidarity towards that student. Now, wearing a pink shirt on May 4th is a way to show support towards victims of bullying.
On Anti-Bullying Day, schools, workplaces, and organizations often hold meetings to raise awareness of bullying by educating the masses on how to spot, prevent and address the signs and symptoms. A study by the Tokyo Metropolitan School Personnel in 2013 showed that 66.2% out of the 9000 children they surveyed had experience bullying. The popular Korean movie charted in the top 10 in Japan Netflix, “The Glory”, is based on a true story of middle school students causing serious bodily and mental harm using incredibly inhumane methods. Barbaric methods of bullying happen in real life and are often overlooked by both adults and authorities.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that some bullies themselves may be facing challenges at home or school, leading them to project their emotions onto others as a way to gain control of their own life. Therefore, instead of simply assigning blame, we need to address the root causes of bullying as a community by promoting empathy, kindness, and forgiveness. Additionally, it’s crucial to take reports of bullying seriously instead of dismissing and victim blame.
Let’s Anti-Bullying Day reminds us that bullying is an extremely serious social issue that affects many people, but by being there for each other and offering support. We can make a positive difference. If you are going through a difficult time, please do not be ashamed about reaching out and asking for help!
Sources:
Kawano, Kirsty. “Bullying in Japanese Schools.” Savvy Tokyo, 4 May 2021, https://savvytokyo.com/bullying-japanese-schools/.
“2006 Cheongju Curling Iron Case – Real Story behind ‘The Glory.’” YouTube, 2 Apr. 2023,
https://youtu.be/30dKS39GnXg.
Mohsin, Haroon. “Anti-Bullying Day.” National Today, 6 July
Winners of the 2015 TELL Anti-Bullying Video Competition
TELL is pleased to announce the winners of its first Anti-Bullying Student Video Competition. English speaking high school and middle school students across Japan were encouraged to unleash their creativity and submit video entries following this year’s Competition theme, “Stand Up Don’t Stand By.” TELL understands that bullying is a serious issue in our schools and communities, and when left unattended can have a serious impact on a young person’s mental health, emotional well-being and identity. The aim of this year’s competition was to raise further awareness to this important issue and help prevent bullying in our society through education and awareness.
This year, 9 entries were received, which in turn received over 5,500 views on YouTube.
GoPro prizes ranging from Hero 4 Black – Hero will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams in the following categories: for High school and Middle school student categories and GoPro Hero 3+silver will be awarded to Viewers’ Choice – PSA (Public Service Announcement) for receiving the most likes on YouTube.
High School PSA Category Winners:
1st place team – GoPro Hero Black: Kodo Sugawara – Hiroo Gakuen International School – Minato-Ku
2nd place team – GoPro Hero 3 + Silver: Wanonno Iqtyider – Tsukuba International School – Ibaraki.
3rd place team – oPro hero 3 + White: Karen Neish – Tsukuba International School – Ibaraki.
Middle School PSA Category Winners:
1st place team – GoPro Hero 3 + Silver: Ayana Yaegashi – International School of the Sacred Heart – Shibuya.
2nd place team – GoPro hero 3 + White: Isabel Bosch – American school in Japan – Chofu.
3rd place team – GoPro Hero: Lekima Yakuden – Hammasuka Junior High
Viewers’ PSA Category Winner :
GoPro Hero 3 + Silver: Kodo Sugawara – Hiroo Gakuen International School – Minato-Ku
Congratulations to this year’s winners and Competition participants. Thank you everyone for Standing Up and making a difference.
TELL would like to thank the judges in our first Anti-Bullying Competition, Megumi Fukusawa and David Haruyama for their support along with Alex Herpst for helping to organize the competition.
