Bullying is more than an 8 letter word...

Her name was Phoebe Prince. She lived an amazing life in Ireland with her parents and four siblings until they decided to move to the United States, South Hadley, Massachusetts, to be exact. Her first few weeks at her new high school were great until the other students started to pick on her. Talk about her. Torment her. Bash her mentally. Break her down. Call her names -- Just because she was different. At the age of 15, Phoebe couldn't take it anymore and hung herself. She died at the tender age of 15 on January 14, 2010.


According to the American Justice Department, 1 out of 4 children are bullied on a daily basis, let it be mentally, physically, verbally, or emotionally. These acts can lead to depression, anxiety, health complaints, decreased academic achievement, and death. Although most take this issue lightly, I feel we must be bold and expose the dangers associated with it as our children are in danger.


October is National Bullying Prevention Month so last year, I went to the local high school and middle school and provided a presentation that changed the perspective of bullying for the students. At the conclusion, each student signed a vow that stated that they would not engage in bullying, nor would they ignore the act, but they will take a stand.


I plan on continuing to unveil this top issue because so many lives are at stake. Over the last couple of months, I have come across articles, videos, and blogs that speak on bullying, but focusing on elementary schools. I did not think, until then, about the "babies," as elementary school is where the bullying begins: at a young age. This is my next destination. 


Let us work together and STOP the act of BULLYING. If you see it happening ANYWHERE, step up and make a difference and/or report it to the proper authorities. For more statistics, information, and to find out how you can help, visit http://www.stopbullying.gov/. 


God Bless,
Tori(: