Our hearts break each time we hear of another Bullycide: youngsters killing themselves because of torment by other kids. Below are links to some of these stories. The common thread? Torments (name-calling and sometimes physical; group bullying - often in the form of cyberbullying; reports to educators; no paper trail. Often the "good kid" (the target) is punished more severely than the bully... because (since there was no serious action from the school) he finally chose to defend himself (See Ty Smalley) |  |
In addition to materials on the "Store" tab above, see anti-bullying/ pro-respect resources throughout this page
| Click on the free download on the left for ideas and resources to immunize youngsters against bullying. |
Bullying rarely occurs in private. The bully derives power by being tough on the victim, especially if his/her actions take place in front of by-standers.
This latter group is often left blaming themselves, especially when the victim chooses death over continued torment. Those youngsters - who stand by silently - long carry the guild of having allowed the bully to continue unopposed.
If youngsters truly respect and accept themselves, they will not need to rob others of power. They will want to come to another's defense, to stand up for what is right. Self-acceptance and true self-esteem is probably more important today than ever before.
According to
TheHuffingtonPost.com, at least 5 teen boys in previous weeks chose death
over the ceaseless taunting for their alleged sexual orientation. The
youngest of these was Asher Brown, 13, of Cy-Fair school district near
Houston. After public outcry, the "It Gets Better Project" on You Tube is drawing a multitude of videos supporting youth, especially LGBTQ youth who have suffered so many losses.
In the video below, City Councilman Joel Burns (from Ft. Worth, Texas ) speaks about being bullied as a youngster and encourages today's youth that life gets better.
Hints for Dealing with CYBERBULLING: Click HERE.
Below, comedienne Ellen Degeneres finds the results of bullying no laughing matter.
For youth who feel rejected, the following video offers information on welcoming spiritual communities:
Anti-Bullying/ Pro-Respect Resources
Angels and Doves is a nationwide anti-bullying non
profit organization.
Their website is AngelsandDoves.com
The National Center for Bullying Prevention is helping to promote awareness and teach effective ways to respond to bullying. You can learn more about them at their website: Pacer.org/bullying
The Trevor Project at 866 4U TREVOR. It's a 24-hour, national help line for gay and questioning teens. You can learn more about The Trevor Project at their website: thetrevorproject.org.
GLSEN is also a great organization that is working to eradicate bullying and bias in schools. Their website is: glsen.org
"It Gets Better" is dedicated to advocating for respect for ALL people.
Their pledge reads as follows:
Everyone deserves to be respected for who they are. I pledge to spread this message to my friends, family and neighbors. I'll speak up against hate and intolerance whenever I see it, at school and at work. I'll provide hope for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and other bullied teens by letting them know that "It Gets Better." Website: itgetsbetter.org
The Matthew Shepard Foundation runs Matthew's Place, an online community and resource center for LGBTQ youth. The website is matthewsplace.com
Educators concerned about bullying will find the booklet to the right helpful both in the classroom and in developing specific guidelines for school policy. It is based on the documentary movie, Bullied. See additional resources (including educator packets) at Tolerance.org |
