![IMG_20220408_020302.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmNWRRHH5PQuc4hPbHfHEhqEZiH9TGXeKu2pUDzQEqSXgD/IMG_20220408_020302.jpg) ____

[ESP]

**Hoy decidí no bajar la mirada.**

[ENG]

**Today I decided not to look down.**

____

THEO es un niño de unos 09 años, es alto para su edad, pero su pronunciación no es la más clara. En casa es un niño feliz, conversador, vivaz, hasta desinhibido. No obstante, debido a los problemas económicos en su país, la familia de Theo, decidió emprender un largo viaje en la búsqueda del sueño americano. Un buen día, simplemente la rutina de Theo se vio abruptamente interrumpida. Se encontró de repente en un país extraño, sin amigos, sin más familiares que su padre, madre y hermano. A quienes apenas veía unas horas al día por el arduo trabajo que los consumía. Theo ahora se enfrentaría a una nueva escuela, su madre amorosamente le daba consejos de como agradar a su nuevos Maestros y como hacer amigos. Debes ser muy amable Theo, no discutas con tus compañeros, trata de no ocasionar disgustos ni peleas. Mantente en silencio y si es necesario baja la cabeza, no mires a nadie a los ojos, porque puede parecer que los estás retando. Recuerda que aquí somos extranjeros y las cosas están difíciles. Le decía Rebeca casi en tono de súplica cada mañana a su pequeño. Theo, se esforzaba por seguir las instrucciones de su madre, pero ese plan parecía no estar resultando. Algunos niños más grandes constantemente lo empujaban cuando no estaban a la vista de sus Maestros. Se burlaban de su acento propio de su lengua materna, lo conminaban a irse de la escuela, y si es posible del país, que se vaya por donde vino. Cada día era un verdadero reto para el pequeño Theo. Se sentía verdaderamente solo, ni siquiera se atrevía a contarle aquello a su hermano mayor, porque pensaba que podía, como le decía su mamá. ocasionarle sólo más problemas. A pesar de sufrir a diario acoso por parte de sus compañeros de escuela, Theo al llegar la hora de la cena y mirar la cara de cansancio de sus padres, no se atrevía a comentarles lo que estaba padeciendo.

THEO is a boy of about 09 years old, he is tall for his age, but his pronunciation is not the clearest. At home he is a happy, talkative, vivacious, even uninhibited child. However, due to the economic problems in their country, Theo's family decided to embark on a long journey in pursuit of the American dream. One fine day, Theo's routine was simply abruptly interrupted. He suddenly found himself in a strange country, with no friends, no relatives other than his father, mother and brother. To whom I barely saw a few hours a day because of the hard work that consumed them. Theo would now face a new school, his mother lovingly giving him advice on how to please his new Masters and how to make friends. You must be very kind Theo, do not argue with your companions, try not to cause upsets or fights. Be silent and if necessary lower your head, do not look anyone in the eye, because it may seem that you are challenging them. Remember that here we are foreigners and things are difficult. Rebecca said almost in a tone of supplication every morning to her little one. Theo was struggling to follow his mother's instructions, but that plan seemed not to be working. Some older children constantly pushed him when they were not in the sight of their Masters. They mocked his own accent of his mother tongue, urged him to leave school, and if possible leave the country, to go where he came from. Every day was a real challenge for little Theo. He felt truly alone, he didn't even dare to tell his older brother that, because he thought he could, as his mother told him. cause you only more problems. Despite being bullied daily by his schoolmates, Theo when it was time for dinner and looked at the tired face of his parents, he did not dare to tell them what he was suffering.

____ ![IMG_20220408_020302.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmNWRRHH5PQuc4hPbHfHEhqEZiH9TGXeKu2pUDzQEqSXgD/IMG_20220408_020302.jpg) ____

Al contrario, creaba una fantasía de lo que eran sus días en la escuela, comentaba casi alegremente que participaba con sus amigos en juegos, en trabajos escolares exitosos y los recorridos que hacía con sus compañeros por los campos de futbol del colegio, montaba patineta y se divertía.

On the contrary, he created a fantasy of what his days at school were, commented almost happily that he participated with his friends in games, in successful school work and the tours he made with his classmates through the football fields of the school, skateboarded and had fun.

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Sólo con mirar como a su madre se le iluminaba la cara de alegría, y le aseguraba que estaba contenta de que él escuchara sus consejos, de no entrar en conflictos con ningún niño, y huir de los problemas, a Theo se le quitaban las ganas de comentar lo que de verdad le ocurría.

Just by watching his mother's face light up with joy, and assuring her that she was happy that he listened to her advice, that he did not enter into conflicts with any child, and ran away from problems, Theo was taken away from the desire to comment on what really happened to him.

____ ![IMG_20220408_021457.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmXdF8chbMrz2s2JFAxkRCpQ8AKogd3WX5Kpo3R2G2iKy9/IMG_20220408_021457.jpg) ____

Algunas veces quería gritar, decirles que no quería ir más nunca a esa escuela, que pasaba algunas noches sin dormir, sólo pensando en qué se les ocurriría a sus acosadores al día siguiente.

Sometimes he wanted to scream, tell them that he never wanted to go to that school anymore, that he spent some sleepless nights, just thinking about what his bullies would think of the next day.

____ ![IMG_20220408_021548.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmcjd4NjmV56XFGMqtAUEKH5U4npukNPyt7dNR4yGzrzUn/IMG_20220408_021548.jpg) ____

De el niño vivaz y alegre, que había recorrido grandes distancias ansioso de lo que su familia repetía que sería un futuro mejor, ya quedaba muy poco. Sus padres empezaron a notar que estaba ojeroso, exageradamente callado, ensimismado. No escuchaban su risa, ya no montaba su bicicleta ni su patineta en las tardes al llegar de la escuela. Parecía que siempre estaba enojado o tal vez triste. Ya ni siquiera quería compartir en la mesa con sus amados padres. Ni contaba sus divertidas historias. Solamente quería alejarse. En la casa, la mamá del pequeño Theo empezaba a sentirse inquieta; sentía en lo más profundo de su corazón que algo malo le pasaba a su hijo, pero no sabía cómo descubrirlo. Los días seguían transcurriendo, y una tarde al llegar a casa Rebeca encuentra a Theo acurrucado en el sofá, lo nota extenuado, su cabello despeinado y su ropa extrañamente sucia. Rebeca no quiere parecer demasiado angustiada, y sólo se sienta a su lado, pone la cabeza del pequeño sobre sus piernas y le acaricia el cabello, al retirarlo de su cara descubre un hematoma en su ojo derecho. Rebeca está aterrada, no sabe cómo actuar, sólo desea proteger a su niño, y se culpa por no haber notado que algo le pasaba. Intenta controlarse, respira profundamente y ahoga sus ganas de gritar, y sacando todas las fuerzas no sabe exactamente de donde, sólo alcanza a preguntar en un tono que sólo ellos dos podrían escuchar: ¿Qué ha pasado cariño? ¿Cómo te diste ese golpe en la cara? ¿Tuviste una pelea en la escuela? ¿Con quién? Por favor cuéntame todo. Nosotros te vamos a ayudar y a proteger. Theo se muestra tranquilo, casi aliviado y le explica a su madre cómo por varios meses ha sido víctima de unos acosadores en su escuela, lo han humillado, se han burlado de él, le han dejado inclusive sin comer; porque lo obligan a darle su desayuno. Le pide disculpas a su madre porque ya no pudo aguantar más, ya no pudo huir más y mucho menos pudo seguir bajando la mirada. Le cuenta que ya ese día estaba cansado, y decidió devolver el golpe. A pesar de que el otro niño era mucho más grande y fornido que él, no le importó. Y respondió los insultos y los puñetazos no se hicieron esperar. Le pide a su madre que no le cuente al papá, y mucho menos a su hermano, para que no se enojen con él y hasta lo castiguen. Casi le suplica a su atribulada madre que mantenga en secreto lo que sucede, se siente muy avergonzado. La madre lo tranquiliza, continúa acariciando amorosamente su cabello, le trae ropa limpia y lo ayuda a meterse en su cama, con su almohada en forma de tiburón preferida.

Of the lively and cheerful child, who had traveled great distances anxious about what his family repeated would be a better future, there was very little left. His parents began to notice that he was ojeroso, exaggeratedly quiet, self-absorbed. They didn't hear his laughter, he didn't ride his bike or skateboard in the afternoons when he got home from school. It seemed that he was always angry or maybe sad. He didn't even want to share at the table with his beloved parents anymore. Nor did he tell his funny stories. He just wanted to walk away. In the house, little Theo's mother was beginning to feel restless; he felt in the depths of his heart that something bad was happening to his son, but he didn't know how to find out. The days were still passing, and one afternoon when she got home Rebecca found Theo curled up on the sofa, she noticed him exhausted, his hair disheveled and his clothes strangely dirty. Rebecca does not want to look too distressed, and only sits next to him, puts the child's head on his legs and caresses his hair, when he removes it from his face he discovers a bruise in his right eye. Rebecca is terrified, does not know how to act, only wants to protect her child, and blames herself for not noticing that something was wrong with her. He tries to control himself, breathes deeply and drowns out his desire to scream, and taking all the strength he does not know exactly where, he only manages to ask in a tone that only the two of them could hear: What has happened sweetheart? How did you hit yourself in the face? Did you have a fight at school? With whom? Please tell me everything. We will help and protect you. Theo is calm, almost relieved and explains to his mother how for several months he has been the victim of bullies in his school, they have humiliated him, they have mocked him, they have even left him without eating; because they force him to give him his breakfast. He apologizes to his mother because he couldn't take it anymore, he couldn't run away anymore, and much less could he continue to look down. He tells her that he was tired that day, and decided to hit back. Even though the other child was much bigger and stockier than him, he didn't care. And he answered the insults and the punches were not long in coming. He asks his mother not to tell his father, let alone his brother, so that they do not get angry with him and even punish him. He almost begged his troubled mother to keep what happens a secret, he feels very embarrassed. The mother reassures him, continues to lovingly caress his hair, brings him clean clothes and helps him get into his bed, with his favorite shark-shaped pillow.

____ ![IMG_20220408_021714.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmZn16asdptWcTRK134Xq7pxQkxJPULjtuEfmxY6VMmGpD/IMG_20220408_021714.jpg) ____

Le insiste en que todo va a estar bien, que ella lo va a proteger y que ya no tendrá que sufrir ningún maltrato nunca más. Theo esa noche duerme feliz, ya no tiene que fingir, ya no quiere llorar más, sino caer en un profundo sueño y que al despuntar la mañana se haya borrado el horrendo hematoma de su ojo y la tristeza de su corazón. Llega al fin la mañana, los padres del pequeño Theo están en la cocina, ya tienen dispuesto su desayuno y sólo esperan que éste baje para irse a la escuela. Han discutido toda la noche los pasos a seguir para exigir que las autoridades escolares que intervengan y le garanticen la integridad física y emocional a su pequeño. Theo aparece en el comedor, con su uniforme impecable, con su cabello bien peinado y con una mirada diferente en sus ojos. A sus padres les parece que está distinto, como más grande, como más fuerte. Sin embargo, toma su desayuno sin pronunciar ninguna palabra, al culminar, acomoda su pesado bolso en su hombro y va al carro a esperar por sus papás. Recorren en el más absoluto silencio el camino hacia la escuela, a Rebeca se le nota la preocupación y la angustia. A ratos caen lágrimas que corren por sus mejillas espontáneamente. Piensa que no entiende cómo puede haber niños tan malvados, ¿Por qué se ensañan así con su pobre bebé…? Rebeca no encuentra respuestas. Al llegar al recinto escolar ambos padres pasan a conversar en la Dirección, mientras Theo espera afuera sentado, erguido, con una actitud de desenfado que no es característica de él. Sus compañeros pasan y al mirarlo conversan entre ellos, pero Theo no alcanza a entender qué dicen y tampoco parece importarle. Mientras tanto, puerta adentro, los afligidos padres exponen al Director todo lo que su hijo les ha contado, los desmanes que han cometido otros niños con él y exigen respuestas de cómo en la escuela no han identificado que tan terrible situación estaba ocurriendo casi a diario y a la vista de todos. Inmediatamente se activa en el colegio un protocolo de prevención y protección de los niños del maltrato escolar, se implementan charlas, conversatorios sobre el bullying o acoso escolar. Se inicia una intensa campaña de protección para los niños y se empieza a hablar y discutir en todas las clases sobre el tema. Comienza la identificación de los responsables, dando inicio a un expedito trabajo para el abordaje de tan delicado tema. THEO junto con sus padres ha logrado que se escuche su grito silenciado para el acoso, señalar y tratar a los responsables y sobre todo infundir confianza y seguridad en la víctima. El pequeño niño que tuvo que salir de su país para buscar refugio en otras tierras, ya ha crecido, está seguro de que la única manera de parar el abuso es señalando al abusador, no está permitido quedarse callado y sobre todo Theo se promete a sí mismo que nunca más bajará la mirada, sino que por el contrario se convertirá en una voz para identificar y denunciar el maltrato, nunca más se quedará callado. Participa en una campaña de información sobre el acoso escolar, hacen dibujos alusivos al tema y formaron grupos de niños, padres y maestros para orientar tan importante discusión. Al correr de los días, al fin llegan las anheladas vacaciones escolares. Theo se siente feliz, parece que regresó el antiguo Theo, risueño, esperanzado, protegido y seguro de sí mismo. Theo pudo escapar del bullying…

He insists that everything will be fine, that she will protect him and that he will no longer have to suffer any abuse anymore. Theo that night sleeps happily, he no longer has to pretend, he no longer wants to cry, but to fall into a deep sleep and that at the dawn of the morning the horrendous bruise of his eye and the sadness of his heart have been erased. The morning comes to the end, little Theo's parents are in the kitchen, they have their breakfast ready and they only wait for it to come down to go to school. They have discussed all night the steps to follow to demand that the school authorities intervene and guarantee the physical and emotional integrity of their little one. Theo appears in the dining room, in his impeccable uniform, with his hair well combed and with a different look in his eyes. To his parents it seems that he is different, as bigger, as stronger. However, he takes his breakfast without saying a word, at the end, he places his heavy bag on his shoulder and goes to the car to wait for his parents. They walk in absolute silence on the way to school, Rebecca can see the worry and anguish. At times tears fall that run down his cheeks spontaneously. He thinks he doesn't understand how there can be such evil children, why do they get angry like this with their poor baby...? Rebecca finds no answers. Upon arriving at the school grounds, both parents go on to talk at the Address, while Theo waits outside sitting, upright, with an attitude of casualness that is not characteristic of him. His companions pass by and when they look at him they talk to each other, but Theo can't understand what they're saying and doesn't seem to care either. Meanwhile, behind closed doors, the bereaved parents expose to the Principal everything their son has told them, the excesses that other children have committed with him and demand answers as to how in the school they have not identified what such a terrible situation was happening almost daily and in full view of all. Immediately a protocol for the prevention and protection of children from school abuse is activated in the school, talks, conversations about bullying or bullying are implemented. An intense campaign of protection for children begins and the topic begins to be talked and discussed in all classes. The identification of those responsible begins, starting an expeditious work to address such a delicate issue. THEO together with his parents has managed to make his silenced cry for harassment heard, to point out and treat those responsible and above all to instill confidence and security in the victim. The little boy who had to leave his country to seek refuge in other lands, has already grown up, he is sure that the only way to stop the abuse is to point out the abuser, he is not allowed to remain silent and above all Theo promises himself that he will never look down again, but on the contrary it will become a voice to identify and denounce the abuse, it will never remain silent again. Participate in an information campaign on bullying, make drawings alluding to the subject and formed groups of children, parents and teachers to guide such an important discussion. As the days go by, the long-awaited school holidays finally arrive. Theo feels happy, it seems that the old Theo returned, laughing, hopeful, protected and self-assured. Theo was able to escape bullying...

____ ![IMG_20220408_021631.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmPuPtxNVDBL54xNrLMmNyoaFNrQjqFBcn2XDYM6YzVDFS/IMG_20220408_021631.jpg) ____

El lema es NO TE QUEDES CALLADO NI BAJES LA MIRADA, DENUNCIA AL ACOSADOR...

The motto is DO NOT STAY SILENT OR LOOK DOWN, DENOUNCE THE HARASSER ...

____ [Doc. Elizabeth Guía](https://hive.blog/@eliguia12/posts)