In today’s society, bullying plays a large part in teenagers trying to fit in. At many different schools across the United States, bullying happens on a daily basis weather it is cyber bullying, physical bullying, or verbal bullying.

Bullies can be women as well as men, girls as easily as boys. They can be parents, siblings, classmates, teachers, teammates, coaches, colleagues, and bosses.

Today, bullying is a popular topic in society as it has been brought up many times with the recent school shooting in Parkland, Fl. The issue has grown even more with the spread through social media.

In Florida, during what was our Mardi Gras break, Nikolas Cruz, went into Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland and killed many innocent people. Crus was charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder.

According to online news sources, the shooting was partially brought about because of his adopted parents dying, his girlfriend finding a new man, and him getting expelled from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

All of this anger got built up inside of him and he went on a rampage with an AR-15 and killed 17 people. Many are accounting this horrendous act as a result from bullying.

Whether this is true or not, it cannot be denied that bullying is common and has mental, emotional, and even sometimes deadly consequences.

There are many reasons why people bully, and one of those reasons is to feel included. Bullying someone to fit in, however, is not right.

Bullying can lead to depression, anxiety, abuse of alcohol and drugs, suicide, and, as we saw with Cruz, the end of others’ lives through violent acts.

If people in society see someone being bullied, saying something can play a huge part in saving lives. Protect everyone in your community. Keep an eye out for friends, family, and people in your community. By acting and not ignoring, you can save a life.