My daughter has been the victim of cyber bullying and bullying within her school that has left me thinking what can I do to help her and other young people cope with the insecurities that come with bullying.
I felt helpless listening to her stories and watching her cry. I reached out to her counselors and teachers to figure out why these things are happening and what can be done to stop it.
When she was in the third grade, my daughter had suicidal thoughts that had us in the emergency room talking to a counselor and then going through weeks of therapy. That put a scare in me that I don't wish on any mother. When I read stories of young people committing suicide because of being tormented in school, it made me want to reach out to my daughter and make sure she knew that I was on her side and she can talk with me about anything.
Starting to research bullying and the affects of it was my first start. There is so much information readily available that there was no way that I could not read it and implement some of the ways to prevent bullying in my community.
According to stopbullying.gov, in 2017 20% of students from the ages of 12-18 experienced bullying. In that same year, nationwide, 19% of students in grades 9-12 report being bullied on school property. Also approximately 30% of young people admitted to bullying others. These statistics are staggering and really makes one wonder why is this happening. The fact that most bullying takes place in school is an absolute problem. School is supposed to be a safe place for children not a place they should fear going.
With most of the bullying happening in schools, then the environment of these students need to be looked at because most times, students see things that are happening at home and may bring that aggression out on others or it could be a cry for help or attention.
Young people need to know that they have resources that can help. Family members, friends, teachers and school counselors are a good resource but if they don't feel comfortable talking with these people here are some other resources.
No Bully Help Hotline - 866-488-7386
Suicide Prevention Lifeline- 800-273-8255
Anti-Bullying sites:
https:// www.stopbullying.gov
https://www.glsen.org/
https://www.stompoutbullying.org
The above are just some of the resources. In the upcoming weeks I will be posting events, news, sites and other helpful resources about anti-bullying initiatives in various communities and cities.
Please share your story with me in the comments section. We are there to help each other get through it together!
