Bullying is no longer acceptable

I was reading your article (Much ado about bullying, Jan. 23) and couldn't be happier that (bullying) will soon be against the law.

Its about time and long overdue. I am now 35 and a mother of three. I was bullied horribly from Grade 4 to 8. I'll never forget the humiliation and anxiety I felt every single time I was bullied, which was several times a day, everyday. I can't believe that I had to endure that and because of it, it shaped me into the person that I am today. I know I can make changes to better myself, and I certainly try, but it's extremely hard when your personality is shaped at such a young age by constant negative feedback about yourself. You endure abuse both physical and mental.

You feel like you have no self-worth and you grow up with these feelings.

The feelings of being a loser never left me and I worry all the time in social situations that I'll be judged or not liked. It has everything to do with my childhood experiences; it's ingrained in me.

I'm not bitter or upset today, it was so long ago. It shaped me into who I am today, and my grades suffered horribly.

The only thing that I feel incredibly bitter and angry about is the fact that because I was harassed so much I did horrible in school and barely squeaked by. I know that if circumstances would of been different I could have done well. Any adult who is against this new legislation should try to put themselves in the shoes of the kids that are bullied. Imagine you're at work and someone is bullying you, harassing, name calling or worse; actually hitting you. The whole workplace follows as the fight progresses.

Could you concentrate on work? Wouldn't you feel embarrassed and humiliated? As adults, we certainly would never tolerate such behaviour. There are laws in place for us.

But why is it any different for a kid? You can't use the phrase "they're just kids". That never gave me any comfort. Thank God I at least had loving parents, otherwise who knows what would of become of me.

All children and teenagers should be surrounded by positive energy and feel respected by their peers.

It's absolutely possible to do this now. With the new law this world might become a better place; only good can come out of this. The kids will be protected and hopefully feel safe and able to thrive and grow like the beautiful flowers that they all are.
Debbie Savard,
Innisfil