Why the Phrase “Snitches Get Stitches” Is So Dangerous

Most of us have heard the phrase “snitches get stitches.” It is often said casually, joked about, or passed down as a rule of loyalty.

But pause for a moment and really think about what that phrase teaches children.

It teaches silence over safety. Fear over responsibility. Compliance over compassion.

What many people fail to understand is that reporting harm is not snitching. When someone speaks up to protect themselves or others, they are seeking safety, not punishment.

The Reality of Bystanders and Bullying

Research consistently shows that bystander intervention is far less common than it should be. Many students witness bullying, harassment, or harmful behavior and choose not to report it or intervene.

Schools and organizations work hard to encourage students to speak up, yet the fear of being labeled a “snitch” often outweighs the desire to do what is right.

This culture of silence does not exist by accident. It is rein...

What did you believe about bullies when you were growing up?

I will be honest. Before I began researching bullying deeply, I believed that kids who bullied others were simply not being parented well.

I know. Judgy.

I assumed they were mirroring behavior they saw at home or copying an older sibling or family member. I thought bullies were just “bad kids” who enjoyed making others miserable.

And no one ever challenged that belief.
No one ever talked to me about bullying or the kids behind the behavior.

What I have learned since then completely changed my perspective.

Bullies Are Still Kids Who Are Learning

The truth is this.
Children who bully are still children.

They are not defined by their behavior. They are often kids who have not yet learned how to manage big emotions, navigate stress, or cope with hurt in healthy ways.

That does not excuse the behavior.
But it does change how we respond to it.

Not all children bully for the same reasons. Some act out because they are overwhe...

Bullying can leave deep emotional and physical scars and sometimes parents don’t realize it’s happening until the damage is already severe.

Recently, a parent shared her story. She had no idea her child was being bullied consistently for over a year. By the time she discovered the truth, her child was experiencing panic attacks, insomnia, frequent illness, and extreme anxiety about attending school.

Even more heartbreaking, some teachers had been part of the bullying.

This story is a powerful reminder: parents must actively listen, observe, and ask the right questions to protect their children.

Why Hidden Bullying Can Go Unnoticed

Children often hide bullying for many reasons:

• Fear of retaliation or escalating the situation
• Feeling ashamed or embarrassed
• Not knowing how to explain the problem
• Assuming adults won’t understand or help

Parents may also misread early warning signs or downplay incidents, thinking they aren’t “serious enough.” Unfortunately, bullying can esc...

It’s been a heavy week, hasn’t it? 

The news can be overwhelming for all of us. Recent events like the tragic shootings in Uvalde, Texas highlight how heavy the headlines can feel. Parents often feel the urge to protect their children by shielding them from the news. While this instinct comes from love, it’s important to remember: children are already aware of what’s happening, often through social media or conversations with peers.

Even when kids seem calm, they may carry fears and confusion. Checking in with them regularly helps ensure they feel safe, heard, and supported.

Why Talking About World Problems Matters

Children are naturally curious about the world. Ignoring difficult topics does not make them safer, it can lead to misinformation, heightened anxiety, and feelings of isolation.

When parents and guardians talk openly, they provide:

• Clarity – helping children separate fact from rumor
• Reassurance – showing that adults are actively thinking about safety
• Empowerment – ...

Some parents do what they think will help stop it, not realizing their actions can make the situation worse. 

That’s what happened to a mother who decided to directly speak to her child’s bully. 

Perhaps she wasn’t aware that boarding a school bus was considered trespassing. That’s reason enough for her to be arrested or fined (depending on the state laws). 

But this mother went further. She began verbally assaulting the 11-year old child and she ended up fighting the child (physical assault). 

The whole thing was caught on video. But, let’s assume the child hit her first. As an adult, what are the chances that the justice system will side with the mother? 

You see, I have read many news articles about similar situations because, in my opinion, parents are not well aware of efficient ways to manage bullying situations involving their children and schools are not taking bullying complaints seriously enough. 

This is why bullying awareness and prevention education needs to be offer...

Surviving a lifetime of being bullied!

As a child, I was bullied, and it was a long process for me to recover. I was teased, made fun of and told that I would never be anything. This was by my family from birth throughout my early adult years. I also endured years of being jumped on and beat-up by my cousin for no reason.

This resulted in me being shy and my self-esteem was very low. I was also teased in school because I was skinny, and my teeth were crooked. As a result, I walked with my head down and I never smiled. There were so many days that I would come home and just cry.

I was doing poorly in school because I was suffering from depression. I vividly remember one day I was in health class and a classmate told me that I was skinny enough to hula hoop in a fruit-loop. I was called grandma and told me that I was homely! which hurt a lot. That was just a tiny bit of the things that were said to me.

Unfortunately, I was struggling with being bullied. I stayed faithful and knew tha...