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For the Strength of Youth
I’m Kimball. I recently turned 14. This is the first time I ever attended any conference for youth and I started off with a blast by attending For Strength of Youth (FSY), a week-long program for youth. It was one of the best opportunities for me to begin. I enjoyed all the wonderful things taught during FSY. One thing that touched me so much was the workshop conducted by Sister Lynda on bullying. I thought I would share a few things from my notes.
What is bullying?
Bullying is when someone is being hurt either by words or actions on purpose, usually more than once, feels bad because of it, and has a hard time stopping what is happening to them. Bullying can be either in an emotional way or in physical way.
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Physical: Hitting, pushing and shoving, fighting, tripping, yelling at someone, making rude gestures, and taking or breaking another person’s things
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Emotional: Name calling, making fun of someone, laughing at someone, leaving someone out on purpose, starting rumors or telling lies about someone, and trying to make someone feel bad about who they are
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Another most important form of bullying is cyber bullying: Cyber bullying is using technology such as internet, email, cell phones, social media, pictures—to hurt or harm someone else. It includes sending mean text messages, posting statements online that are unkind or not true, sending or posting pictures that are not yours to share, making negative comments online about someone, agreeing with someone who posts something hurtful
In scriptures it says: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40). That means when we do good to others we are doing it unto God, if we are bullying others, we are doing it to God.
Overcoming bullying with true friendship and love
In 1 Timothy 4:12, it says “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
As we become examples of believers of Jesus Christ by controlling our words and actions and by showing love to others, we will become true disciples of Christ. We receive the blessings in our lives and we will be able to bless others’ lives as well.
The For The Strength of The Youth booklet says: “Everyone needs good and true friends. They will be a great strength and blessing to you. They will influence how you think and act, and even help determine the person you will become. They will help you be a better person and will make it easier for you to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. Choose friends who share your values, so you can strengthen and encourage each other in living high standards.
“To have good friends, be a good friend. Show genuine interest in others; smile and let them know you care about them. Treat everyone with kindness and respect, and refrain from judging and criticizing those around you. Do not participate in any form of bullying. Make a special effort to be a friend to those who are shy or lonely, have special needs, or do not feel included” (page 16; emphasis added).
The best way to avoid bullying is by being good friends to others. No one EVER deserves to be bullied.
FSY had given all of us a platform to be good friends with other youth from different states in India.
I share this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.