Girls Against Bullying Girls

Posted: 4/5/2019

I was first bullied in first grade. I was told I was stupid and fat. I was hit. In school there was a group of girls that would gang up on me. I knew then that I had to do something about this problem. After weeks of name calling and comments I finally went to my parents. In 2009 I started G.A.B. Girls. I was only 9, so I knew I needed help; to not only help my friends and myself but other children.

Together my mom and I brainstormed what we wanted our support group to stand for. We came up with G.A.B. Girls (Girls Against Bullying Girls). Mom had me research and read about bullying, as well as abusive behavior, so I could learn to help others and help me understand why some people could be cruel. My parents set up a Facebook and website. Mom ordered bracelets and t-shirts. I answer all my own email from girls asking for advice or moms wanting to help their kids. We just started doing workshops two years ago. I really enjoy doing them and know that I am making a difference. My website is gabgirls.wix.com/gabgirls.

My workshops help teach others about anti bullying, building self-confidence, and working together to make a difference. In my workshops I use my 5 step plan B.R.A.V.E. I also teach them to tell the bully to stop, walk away from the bully, tell an adult that they trust, and never fight back with the bully. Last year I went to Atlanta, Georgia to speak about G.A.B. at Kids are Heroes. I really enjoyed it because I was able to meet kids from all over the world who have their own passion to make a positive difference. I also had so many people come to me and tell me their story about when they were being picked on by another.

We all need to all stand up if we see bullying going on and we need to take a stand to do what is right, to make a positive difference in our community. Here is my advice,"don’t be a bystander on anything." If you see someone being mean or doing something wrong, SAY SOMETHING. Think how you would feel if you were in that victim’s shoes and were all by yourself. Get involved in your community and school. Find trusted adults and ask for their support. Start a support group or just volunteer to a cause that is important to you. It can be something as simple as offering to help pick up sticks in an older person’s yard.