When Carlos and Gina saw a video on social media of classmates throwing eggs and flour at their daughter Bella, they were disheartened and confused. Why would they do that to their daughter? “They did that ‘as a surprise as it was my birthday and I didn’t celebrate it, being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses,” Bella recalled.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released a survey conducted by The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2018 that shows 65% of Filipino students are bullied “at least a few times a month” at school. And in its June 2019 poll, UNICEF reported that almost half of Filipinos between the ages of 13 and 17 experience cyberviolence.
As parents search for ways to protect their children, a growing group of families is turning to an unlikely source for practical guidance: the Bible.
Carlos and Gina reminded their daughter of one Bible principle that says: “Bad associations spoil useful habits”. “I reminded Bella of the kind of association she must avoid so she does not end up in this kind of situation,” Carlos recalled.
They also went to jw.org the Witnesses’ official website, where a search for the term “bullying” brought up a wealth of free resources, including videos, articles, worksheets, and other online activities on topics young people face at school. Those resources include a whiteboard animation entitled Beat a Bully Without Using Your Fists and an animated cartoon about the powerful effect of prayer for those who are being bullied.
When Carlos went to Bella’s school to speak with her teacher and the bully, she observed how her father applied what they learned as a family by peacefully addressing the issue. She also recalled what she learned from another jw.org video Endure Despite Unjust Treatment. ThesehelpedBella not to be vengeful.“When my bully asked for forgiveness, I wholeheartedly forgave her.”
Praying also helped Bella to calm her anxiety. “I did not know how to tell my parents about the incident. So, I earnestly prayed to Jehovah to help me,” she said.
“Not every situation resolves so easily. But applying the Bible’s advice and focusing on the big picture can help individuals cope and maintain their sense of self-worth,” said James Morales, Philippines spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
“The Bible has proven to be a practical resource for many families to navigate difficult situations in life,” said Morales. “The principles found in this ancient book can help adults and children resolve conflict and maintain peaceful relationships with others.”
Principles like the so-called Golden Rule of treating others as you would want to be treated, showing love, and being slow to anger are tools Carlossaid helps his family in many circumstances. “With the help of the principles found in the Bible and the resources found in jw.org, we are confident that we can help our children even before bullying happens and if it does happen, tobeat bullies without using force.”
