If you are at school, click here to view video of interview with Walter Meyer.
Alum of Bethel Park High School, journalist, and author of Rounding Third, Walter Meyer, recently came to the high school to speak with students about the effects of bullying.
Students jammed into the gymnasium to listen to Mr. Meyer. Mr. Meyer’s words were captivating, as he used personal experiences from when he attended BPHS.
To share his personal experiences, Mr. Meyer wrote a novel called Rounding Third. Much of the material in his novel are experiences he had as a high schooler at Bethel.
After Mr. Meyer gave his PowerPoint presentation about bullying, he asked for questions. At this time, students were open and responsive.
Students mustered up courage and spoke. Heart-wrenching stories were echoed throughout the gym. About ten students spoke about their bullying stories and tales.
Similarly, in a one-on-one interview in the Black Hawk TV studio, Mr. Meyer explained how bullying has evolved.
Mr. Meyer explained bullying is a lot different now.
Mr. Meyer said, “People take bullying much more seriously now. Back then, it was kids being kids.” Administrators, teachers, and students see the negative effects of bullying throughout the school.
However, another issue has been added to the churning pot of bullying. The dawn of social media has negatively impacted bullying.
Mr. Meyer said, “There are resources that I didn’t have. There are support groups and places to go online. But, social media has also made it a lot worse. Now, you turn on your Facebook and your phone and there are ugly texts and posts and people piling on. There’s no way to hide.”
Adding to the mix of things, bullies throw around the term “gay” carelessly.
Mr. Meyer said, “Among high school students, it’s one of the worst insults you can be. What’s worse than being gay? Homophobia is an internalized fear of people being gay themselves.”
Mr. Meyer went on to explain that oftentimes high school students want to cover their tracks; they want to make sure other people aren’t labeling them as gay.
Mr. Meyer ended with some empowering advice. If family members or close friends ostracize you based on sexuality, find someone who does accept you.
“Find someone,” Mr. Meyer said. “The reason why so many people from rural areas across America end up in California, New York, or DC is because there is a family there that will welcome you.”
Mr. Meyer is starting an anti-bullying revolution. He’s transforming the way K-12 schools and even colleges view bullying.
Mr. Meyer isn’t holding his tongue or sitting back. Doing something is better than nothing.
