Young author Aija Mayrock shares with us the emotional inspiration behind why she decided to write THE SURVIVAL GUIDE TO BULLYING.
Written by a teenager who was bullied throughout middle school and high school, this kid-friendly book offers a fresh and relatable perspective on bullying. Along the way, the author offers guidance as well as different strategies that helped her get through even the toughest of days. THE SURVIVAL GUIDE TO BULLYING covers everything from cyber bullying to how to deal with fear and how to create the life you dream of having. From inspiring “roems” (rap poems), survival tips, personal stories, and quick quizzes, this book will light the way to a brighter future.
On one evening in 2012, I was sitting at my desk doing homework. Well, not really. I was supposed to be doing homework. But instead, I was reading the news online. And on that night, my life changed forever.
I came across a devastating story. A boy, around the age of sixteen, had killed himself because he was bullied. During 2012, I recall a lot of teen suicides like this. They left me feeling lost, guilty, and angry. I had been severely bullied from the ages of eight to sixteen. I knew what it was like to feel worthless and hopeless. When I saw this boy’s picture, I broke down into tears. I couldn’t control myself. I said out loud, “THIS IS NOT FAIR!”
This one suicide hit me hard, because this boy looked like the popular athlete, who managed to get straight A’s, and all of the girls were crazy for him. And yet, this boy killed himself because he saw no hope.
And that’s when I decided that I was going to stand up for these kids. I refused to watch another teen commit suicide without trying to do something to make an impact. I refused to be a bystander to the 13 million American kids that are bullied each year.
That night, I decided I would make a change for every kid that is, was, or will be bullied. And so I started writing the book that I never had, but always need. Perhaps this book would convince kids that they do not have to go to extremes, that there is always help, and that life will get better.
Aija Mayrock (c) Matthew Adam
Today I dug through the Internet to try to find this boy’s name and include it in this article. And to be quite frank, I feel angry and sad. Because I can’t find his name. No matter how far I dig, there are TOO many teen suicides that fill each Google page. And I cannot find this boy to honor his memory.
How much longer will this go on? How many more Google pages will kid’s names fill? I hope The Survival Guide to Bullying will start a movement and a conversation. We are in desperate need of that.
Parents: If your kid says he/she is bullied, take them seriously. It may not be just “kids being kids.” Your child really needs your love, support, and guidance. As someone who has suffered due to bullying, I know how essential it was to have my parents on my side.
Kids/Teens: DO NOT GO THROUGH THIS ALONE. You many think you can handle this yourself or that your parents won’t understand. I know how scary and confusing this time can be. But please ask for help. The bullying is what exists in your life right now, but it will not exist in your future.