I am responding to a letter that was sent in from Sally-Jo Williams about childhood bullying from the March 9 paper.
I agree with everything you said about kids picking on their peers who are “different” from the others. Like not wearing the latest fashions, or having weight problems, or anything else that makes us not “cool.”
I am 41 years old, and grew up in Richmond, B.C. and was picked on from Kindergarten to Grade 12. I was told I was ugly and stupid, and when you hear this everyday from other kids, you start to believe it, and it never goes away.
After all these years I still have self-esteem issues and I don’t think it will ever go away. If it weren’t for my wonderful parents and a few close friends I probably would not be here today.
So the next time you decide to judge someone in a negative way, or see your child doing it, stop and think what you could be doing to this person’s self worth.
I have a four-year-old son, and will do everything in my power to make sure he enjoys his school years. Thank you, Sally for the letter you sent in. I agree with you.
Cyndi Cochran
Penticton