We recently invited Aija Mayrock to join us for a Twitter chat in honor of Bullying Prevention Month. Aija knows a thing or two about bullying — she was a victim herself and is now the author of The Survival Guide to Bullying, which is filled with inspiring "roems" (rap poems), survival tips and personal stories. See below for a recap of the Q&A and helpful bullying resources from Choices Magazine, Scholastic's health and life skills magazine for teens.
Thanks for joining us and inspiring us, Aija!
- Who Rules Your School? featuring a sidebar with Aija Mayrock
- Choices Challenge: #Mission Positive
- Choices Changemakers: The Bully Blocker
- This Book Encourages Teens To Embrace Their Flaws
- Are Anonymous Apps Spreading Hate?
Q1: @aijamayrock, 13 million American kids get bullied every year. Why do you think bullying is such an issue in our country? #askaija
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) October 13, 2015
A1: I think that bullying has always existed, but #cyberbullying has made it a very large, 24/7 issue. #AskAija https://t.co/FHlv6YnN8F
— Aija Mayrock (@aijamayrock) October 13, 2015
Q2: @aijamayrock, we know you were one of those 13 million kids. What was that experience like? #askaija
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) October 13, 2015
A2: I felt alone & hated for many years. But I got through it & I became MUCH stronger. Best feeling ever. #AskAija https://t.co/KMBEStLEJc
— Aija Mayrock (@aijamayrock) October 13, 2015
Q3: @aijamayrock then you wrote #SurvivalGuidetoBullying, which shares advice for teens. What do you hope readers learn from it? #askaija
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) October 13, 2015
A3: You can survive & thrive. Become your own super hero & take charge of your life. You are NEVER alone. #AskAija https://t.co/5LxdOGx07N
— Aija Mayrock (@aijamayrock) October 13, 2015
Q4: @aijamayrock, sometimes it can be hard to define exactly what bullying is. How do you define it? Is it name- calling? Rumors? #askaija
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) October 13, 2015
A4: All of the above & more! But what makes it bullying is repetition.When it happens often, it's bullying. #AskAija https://t.co/0NUNOysj4V
— Aija Mayrock (@aijamayrock) October 13, 2015
Q5: @aijamayrock, you talk a lot about self-esteem & confidence in the book. How did you get yours back? #askaija
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) October 13, 2015
A5: By pursuing my passions & chasing my dreams! Winning @artandwriting awards was the beginning for me! #AskAija https://t.co/Bux9k8PKsF
— Aija Mayrock (@aijamayrock) October 13, 2015
Q6: @aijamayrock, you do a lot of school visits & talk to kids about bullying. What’s the biggest issue you see in schools today? #askaija
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) October 13, 2015
A6: Biggest issue = when schools don't enforce a 0 tolerance bullying policy. Schools have the power to! #AskAija https://t.co/PbVwMTHOww
— Aija Mayrock (@aijamayrock) October 13, 2015
Q7: @aijamayrock, how can kids who are bullied get help? #askaija
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) October 13, 2015
A7: Kids need to be 100% open & honest with their parents and teachers. Never stop asking for help. #AskAija https://t.co/UfYjYORVAv
— Aija Mayrock (@aijamayrock) October 13, 2015
Q8: @aijamayrock, how did expressing yourself creatively through writing help you get through bullying? #askaija
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) October 13, 2015
A8: Writing my book healed me.It was my outlet & allowed me to deal w/ my emotions!All kids need an outlet. #AskAija https://t.co/h0sCnSewwG
— Aija Mayrock (@aijamayrock) October 13, 2015
One last q! This is from @quotablebooks1: What advice would you give to the 10 year old version of you? #askaija https://t.co/5vhOOBFkAS
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) October 13, 2015
Don't try to hide what you're going through. Your parents are there for you and they will not judge you. #AskAija https://t.co/e9Cdludgko
— Aija Mayrock (@aijamayrock) October 13, 2015
