“Truth or Dare”, a game that exudes mixed emotions in most of us, primarily because a lot of the associated memories get reflected from our childhood. Not withstanding the fact that this memory recall is always refreshing but we also have to keep in mind the shame and embarrassment it brings to some of us. Even though the game is meant to be fun to challenge a dare to our friends and watch them face awkward situations, most of us know when to STOP and are aware about the Do’s and Don’ts and acknowledge the need to maintain rationality in our action. But sometimes we do cross the line into making it a psychological trauma for some. I am sure a lot of people can relate to it and have been on both the sides of the game, having said that, the main reason I am writing this blog is to debate whether we should have a systematic approach to handle the substantial effects of the game, or should we just sit back without even giving it a second thought and let it rest back as a haunted memory.
It must have been a week ago when I was working as a substitute teacher for 6th grade students. The school counselor entered and much to my surprise the counselor was there to talk about the game “Truth or Dare”. A fad of this game started at the beginning of the school year and apparently some students were bullied and out casted for not doing a dare. The frustration, and hurt associated with this game is not realized seriously as it should be. The students assume that it is fun to embarrass each other but it is hurtful to some who do not end up enjoying it. One word that instantly crosses my mind is “Bullying”. Some may not agree with that or may even put it in the category of peer-pressure but wherever purposeful action that causes pain and trauma comes, it automatically puts it in the same basket. The main motive of games is to create a healthy environment of fun and laughter and not stress or tension.
It must have been a week ago when I was working as a substitute teacher for 6th grade students. The school counselor entered and much to my surprise the counselor was there to talk about the game “Truth or Dare”. A fad of this game started at the beginning of the school year and apparently some students were bullied and out casted for not doing a dare. The frustration, and hurt associated with this game is not realized seriously as it should be. The students assume that it is fun to embarrass each other but it is hurtful to some who do not end up enjoying it. One word that instantly crosses my mind is “Bullying”. Some may not agree with that or may even put it in the category of peer-pressure but wherever purposeful action that causes pain and trauma comes, it automatically puts it in the same basket. The main motive of games is to create a healthy environment of fun and laughter and not stress or tension.
The school counselor currently is following up with Stop Bullying System and ASK Academy to create a ‘Respect For All Assembly’ this November. We have also suggested conducting follow up workshops in the classrooms to spread awareness about Do’s and Don’ts of this game and how forcing someone to take up a dare can lead to psychological bullying. We are working on tackling this situation differently than we would with the high school students. At this age, differentiation between right and wrong tends to be hazy, as there is no focused guidance available. Therefore, let us all be proactive and encourage schools and universities to create a Bully-free atmosphere and help us promote our sole mantra - STOP BULLYING!
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