In our society and schools, we see bullying everywhere — in every aspect. We see the verbal abuse, the snide and rude comments, the derogatory ways of speaking, and the ways people attack one another on social media.

We see this issue and we sit back, not always knowing what to do, knowing that it will only cause pain. And still we do nothing.

I attended the Capitol Hill Student Press Conference today, and Representative James Wilson said something that I truly believe is our solution. He said, “Do not tolerate it. Do not be a part of it. Do these two things and you will solve it.”

He’s right. The reason that bullying continues to happen is because we tolerate it, and in some cases, we join in. Maybe it’s because we don’t want to get involved, or we have our own things to worry about and can’t be bothered with it at the moment, but we tolerate it. Maybe it’s because we don’t particularly like that person, or believe it’s all in good fun, but we join in. We know we shouldn’t, but we do.

We need to start making a conscious effort to stop these actions from taking place. We need to start paying attention to others and their situations and not just our own.

Stop the media abuse; it’s cowardly. If you have something mean to say to them, say it to their face and watch their reaction of sadness, of defeat, of helplessness. Can’t do it? Think twice about what you want to say.

Stop the verbal abuse; it hurts. If you have something mean to say to them, think about how it would feel if they said it right back. Would it hurt you? It would hurt them too.

Stop saying derogatory and demeaning things; it’s belittling. If you just absolutely feel the need to belittle someone to boost your own ego, then maybe focus on bettering yourself instead of hurting them. They don’t deserve your hate.

“We [allow bullying] to happen” says Representative Wilson. We allow it to happen by ignoring it but we can stop it.

True are these words and true is his message. If we allowed this hate to happen we can put an end to it.

After all, no one deserves to be bullied. You don’t deserve to be bullied, your friends don’t, that stranger walking across the street doesn’t. No one does.

Solve the problem by ending the problem. Stand up for that kid you’ve never met. Protect your friend who’s being picked on. Don’t join in with the jeering in the hall.

I will end with Wilson’s words once more: “Do not tolerate it. Do not be a part of it. Do these two things and you will solve it.”