If you’re online, you’ve probably seen some interesting videos and maybe even left a rather rude comment. While you were in that comment section, I’m sure you’ve seen at least one comment that says, “Bring back bullying.” A lot of people seem to think this is a hilarious joke when it’s actually harmful. Bullying targets are between 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-targets, according to a Yale University study. This is not a topic that should be brought back, and it can’t be brought back, because it was never gone.

According to an article done by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, in 2023, there were an estimated 1.8 million Suicide attempts. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the US, with men dying by suicide 3.8 times more than women. There are many reasons for suicide, from mental health, substance abuse, bullying, and various environmental and social stressors. Bullying is a major contributing factor for youth suicide. It would be so helpful to our society and culture if we stopped bullying and really put thought into our actions rather than saying and doing whatever comes to mind. And just remember the “weird kids” could grow up to be the successful people that you look up to. Never judge someone based off where they live, how they act, how they look, or how they dress. There will always be someone smarter, richer, and more successful than you and you never know who it will be! Bullying will never get you to where you want to be.

Lady Gaga, Chris Rock, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Eminem, Tom Holland, Megan Fox, Demi Lovato, and Jennifer Lawrence, are just some of the many very successful people who have experienced bullying as children. And now they are looked up to by children all over the world as well as adults. They used the bullying as motivation to keep working hard at their dreams but that’s sadly not the case for everyone. Aubreigh Wyatt, 13, died by suicide on September 4, 2023. Autumn Bushman, 10, died by suicide on March 21, 2025. Jocelynn Rojo Carranza, 11, died by suicide on February 8, 2025. Audree Heine, 13, died by suicide on December 3, 2024. Jose Zamora, 13, died by suicide on November 5, 2024. And that’s only five listed. In the United States, there were 49,316 deaths by suicide in 2023. Data for 2024 and 2025 is not yet final, but according to an article done by MSJ University student, Aiden Christy, reports for 2024 suggest that the suicide rate may have risen to numbers not seen since 1941. 

The question is, what will you do to stop bullying? Will you stand up for the person who is getting bullied? Maybe be friends with the “lonely” kid? So, instead of thinking of new jokes or “roasts” lets all try to think of what we can do to make that certain person feel loved and cared for even if its just a complement, smiling at them, or saying “hi”. Our words have power whether good or bad and what we say can have a huge impact on someone, so would you rather your words have a good impact, or bad? I know what impact I want mine to have. If you want to learn more about bullying and how to stop it you can go to StopBullying.gov.

Tithi Sutradhaar

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 988 and can be accessed by phone or text at any time.