Stand Up Against Bullying!! Save A Life

Does anyone remember what it feels like to be called names on the playground?  Or for people to point and laugh at you.  I think it happened to most of us growing up and it didn't feel good.  But for some, the torment does not end.  We've seen an appalling number of young gay kids killing themselves after enduring grueling, mean taunting by other children.  It's time for all of us to do something about it.

Today is Spirit Day -- a day when we all stand up against bullying.  As a sign of solidarity, people were asked to wear purple today.  I did.  And I'm glad.  I want to be a part of the solution.  I spoke to a girl today, who at 16, told her family she was gay.  Because of strong religious beliefs, they rejected her, shunned her.  At school, it got worse.  Another girl found out, made 300 flyers and plastered them all over school.  The flyers named the student, called her nasty, derogatory names, gave her phone number and addresse and said she would perform sexual favors.  Imagine not being able to run to your family for a hug, for your mother to tell you, "You're beautiful, it's all going to be ok.  We love you."  She had no one to turn to.  Lucky for her, her school was ahead of the curve.  Counselors and administrators made sure she was ok.  She really is one of the lucky ones.

I spoke to a sociologist who said we sould all be ready to help anyone who's the victim of a bully.  Usually a sympathetic ear is a good beginning for helping someone.  You should also lead them to a professional who can help.  And something else the sociologist said -- if you take a stand, you can stop bullying in many cases.  Dr. Laura Finley said, "If people stand up, if they say something, (not get involved, not put yourself in harms way,) speak out, yell, what ever it is, …10 seconds.  It can shut down that act of bullying.  The bullies will stop!" 

Ya know, just be human!  Be there with a hug, a kind word, a shoulder to cry on, a non-judgemental ear...let these kids know they don't have to go through this alone.  Let them know, "IT WILL GET BETTER." 

Here's a great resource if you're a victim of bullying or want to learn how to help stop it:  http://safeschoolssouthflorida.org/