Sticks and Stones

August 2016

Addressing the issue of bullying in our schools, in our workplaces, at home, and in society

Each Month we will have a section addressing the following highlights:

Aware– raising the awareness of the damaging, sometimes lifelong effects that bullying has

Raising the awareness of the effects that bullying has on our children in school, i.e. suicide rates for our children as early as elementary school not only nationwide, but escalating in Colorado

Care– why should we care?

Articles from the “Front”-

Share– stories form others who have been bullied and what is done to their lives

Prepare

Lastly, how do we Prepare to help pothers, after we understand the warning signs, know that we can make a difference, and we are keen to provide links and numbers so you can help another, or help your child/a co worker/ a friend escape a bully.

Please know we will also highlight how to help a bully. Why bullies “bully”, and where there is help for them.

Aware– http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/bullying.aspx

Introduction

Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power or strength. It is a repeated behavior and can be physical, verbal, or relational. While boys may bully others using more physical means; girls often bully others by social exclusion. Bullying has been part of school, and even workplaces, for years. More recently, though, technology and social media have created a new venue for bullying that has expanded its reach. Cyberbullying is bullying that happens online and via cell phones. Websites like Facebook, MySpace, Tumblr and Formspring allow kids to send hurtful, ongoing messages to other children 24 hours a day. Some sites, such as Tumblr and Formspring allow messages to be left anonymously.

Preventing and stopping bullying involves a commitment to creating a safe environment where children can thrive, socially and academically, without being afraid. APA recommends that teachers, parents and students take the following actions to address bullying.

Care–Share-http://www.noplace4hate.org/real-bullying-stories/

Stories from People Like You

I’m an eighth grade girl, I was bullied from around mid-5th to 6th.  I had a slight crush on the boy who bullied me, so I only saw it as teasing and ignored my mother’s warnings about the boy.  By the middle of sixth grade I was terrified of this kid, but I didn’t really realize it—I still sat at his lunch table and talked to him during science.  But the horrible thing was, he essentially robbed me of any free will.  I had a tiny zit on my nose?  “You’re ugly as f***!”  He didn’t like my shirt?  “B**** you’re a f***ing idiot!”  I bought the wrong thing for lunch?  “Why’d you get that?  Hey look everyone, she got the mac and cheese, she’s f***ing stupid, she’s gonna die and the world’s gonna laugh”  I’m still terrified of this boy.  I’ve said six words to him (I counted) since the beginning of seventh grade in September 2014.

    Now just because I’m an optimist, I’m sharing a story only slightly relevant but will hopefully restore hope in a shattered mind.  A boy I like, my best friend, and my other friend and I were all hanging out at a school Halloween event, we were waiting to go in the haunted house.  My bully and a few of his dumb friends were behind us in line.  My best friend and the boy would answer questions if he spoke to us, helping me ignore him, and at one point when he was staring at me, my crush gently nudged me around a corner out of sight and stood in front of me.  This proves that your real friends will always, ALWAYS have your back no matter how bad things may seem.  Don’t give up hope—it’ll improve (:

Love, a girl who’s been there

Preparehttp://www.make1simplechange.com/

Sticks and Stones
July 2016

Addressing the issue of bullying in our schools, in our workplaces, at home, and in society

Each Month we will have a section addressing the following highlights:

Aware– raising the awareness of the damaging, sometimes lifelong effects that bullying has on us all.

Raising the awareness of the effects that bullying has on our children in school, i.e. suicide rates for our children as early as elementary school not only nationwide, but escalating in Colorado

Care– why should we care?

Articles from the “Front”-

Share– stories form others who have been bullied and what is done to their lives

Prepare

Lastly, how do we Prepare to help pothers, after we understand the warning signs, know that we can make a difference, and we are keen to provide links and numbers so you can help another, or help your child/a co worker/ a friend escape a bully.

Please know we will also highlight how to help a bully. Why bullies “bully”, and where there is help for them.

Share-http://www.noplace4hate.org/real-bullying-stories/

Stories from People Like You

Hello. My name is Will. I am 14 year old hiker, runner, and boy scout and I was bullied as well. These bullies weren’t as bad as others but they did traumatize me.

I have a disorder called Aspergers Syndrome. A minor form of Autism. I think differently from others and find it hard to be social. Since first grade. I have always been known as the nerd with his nerdy friends doing nerdy things. I could of been in the cool kid sports group but sports wasn’t really my thing. I loved video games and Youtube. I’ve had 2 very close friends who were twins. Karen, My best friend and Tarik, My 2nd best friend. Ever since I moved to my new school in 3rd grade. We met each other and had a close relationship. Our Semi popular group was made of 6 people. Me,Kaden,Tarik,Chase,Evan, and Dylan. I loved going to school to see them and even better, having the whole gang come over, play Minecraft, and eat pizza all night. But in 6th grade. That all changed. I was going through the change to adulthood and found different interests. I was done with Lego and Minecraft. But The others weren’t. Then one day. The group just wanted to ditch me right up in my face.I was heartbroken I didn’t know what to do. That was just the beginning. The group of 5 started to torment me. They knew about my Aspergers and used it to their advantage. They always played the same games I played at recess and always target me to get me out and find a way for me to lose. They called me terrible names. some curse words,some like Little Miss Boy Scout, Jerk, Stupid, Nerd and so on.They stole my lunch, ran away and chased me, and spread sexual rumors about me. I was driven to the point of insanity and when I got back from school one day I ran to my room and cried like crazy. My only source of friends, gone. I stayed in my room drowning in tears for what seemed like hours. I then decided to go on Minecraft to calm me down. I remember playing On Minecraft when Chase logged on, bragged about a sleepover that I wasn’t invited to, and said it was my fault. I then talked with my Mom she encouraged me to find a new group, With a few kids. My new best friend named Jaden. He Stood up to me when I was bullied and defended me. He invited me to play games and when Kaden and his group came to torment me, Jaden told them to screw off. I finally felt good knowing I had a real friend. I am now In 8th grade With new friends who like me for who I am. Kaden and Tarik moved to a different school. Chase tried to bully me in the beginning of 7th grade. But I got him out of the way. He now hangs out with a group of troublemakers. I barely see Evan and Dylan admitted his wrongdoing and we became band partners. Everything worked out great in the end and that is my story

Preparehttp://www.antibullysquad.org/

Bronco Brian McMannus

Sticks and Stones
June 2016

Addressing the issue of bullying in our schools, in our workplaces, at home, and in society

Each Month we will have a section addressing the following highlights:

Aware– raising the awareness of the damaging, sometimes lifelong effects that bullying has

Raising the awareness of the effects that bullying has on our children in school, i.e. suicide rates for our children as early as elementary school not only nationwide, but escalating in Colorado

Care– why should we care?

Check out this campaign aimed at kids to become aware of bullying, participate in a campaign that addresses the issue on their level..very clever..Mean Stinks deodorant campaign

http://secret.com/en-us/collections/mean-stinks

Share– stories from others who have been bullied and what is done to their lives

http://www.noplace4hate.org/real-bullying-stories/

Stories from People Like You

May 2016

Sticks and Stones May 2016

Addressing the issue of bullying in our schools, in our workplaces, at home, and in society

Each Month we will have a section addressing the following highlights:

Aware– raising the awareness of the damaging, sometimes lifelong effects that bullying has

Raising the awareness of the effects that bullying has on our children in school, i.e. suicide rates for our children as early as elementary school not only nationwide, but escalating in Colorado

Care– why should we care?

Articles from the “Front”-

Share– stories from others who have been bullied and what is done to their lives

Prepare

Lastly, how do we Prepare to help pothers, after we understand the warning signs, know that we can make a difference, and we are keen to provide links and numbers so you can help another, or help your child/a co worker/ a friend escape a bully.

Please know we will also highlight how to help a bully. Why bullies “bully”, and where there is help for them.

Aware–

Care– http://www.pacer.org/bullying/video

Share-http://www.noplace4hate.org/real-bullying-stories/

Stories from People Like You

Hey my name is William but I go by Curtis. My dad is active military and was deployed for most of my younger years. We moved about every 2-3 years so making friends was more an more difficult and people seemed to think the new kid was an easy target to pick on. So from 3rd grade and on I was bullied for any an every reason. I was small, skinny, had big teeth, had a military style backpack, had a high voice, etc. Life was an awful thing to love everyday and there are so many time I wanted to quit. Just end it all. I cried everyday and tried to do anything I could to just fit in. I tried laying low, I tried hiding, and even football because football players are popular. I got -2 yards and a concussion because they put me, an 87 pound freshman at fullback against a 280 pound Samoan. He then told me “you are too small to ever amount to anything in sports”. Here comes the best part. I moved to Arizona as a sophomore in HS. clean slate. No one knew me. Perfect. I saw a quote online saying how wrestling is the only sport where you can be a champion no matter how small you are. I was Hooked. I laid low and let my actions in the sport speak for themselves. I worked hard everyday spilling blood, sweat an tears with a smile. Kids at my school pointed at me “that’s the kid that’s the state champ” or “that’s the national champion” and “he broke the _____ record.” I loved it. People looked up to me. Spoke highly of me. It was an addiction. Now, I wrestle NCAA d2 with my college paid for and the last kid who bullied me served me my burger at in-and-out.

Prepare

May 2016 Sticks and Stones

Addressing the issue of bullying in our schools, in our workplaces, at home, and in society

Each Month we will have a section addressing the following highlights:

Aware– raising the awareness of the damaging, sometimes lifelong effects that bullying has

Raising the awareness of the effects that bullying has on our children in school, i.e. suicide rates for our children as early as elementary school not only nationwide, but escalating in Colorado

Care– why should we care?

Here are More Bullying Suicide Statistics

According to the Suicide Awareness Voices for Education suicides among 15-24 years olds is the third leading cause of death for youth. One of 65,000 children ages 10 to 14 commit suicide every year. Over 16% of students seriously consider suicide, 13% create a plan, and 8 percent have made a serious attempt.

The National Alliance on Mental Health 2014 reported suicide was one of the most common psychiatric emergencies. It claims about 30,000 lives every year. The biggest risk factor is a prior history of suicidal behavior. About 35.7% of elementary school are required by the school district to teach suicide prevention, 61.5% of middle schools, and 75.0% of high schools. About 78.4% of school districts required schools to have a plan for students at risk for suicide.

About 80% of youth that commits suicide have depressive symptoms. Peer victimization and bullying causes higher rates of suicide among youth according to the JAMA Pediatrics 2014. Cyber bullying leads to thoughts of suicide more than traditional bullying. Many students are bullied and engage in bullying behavior.

Cases of Suicides Due to Bullying

On January 12, 2012 Amanda Diane Cummings, a 15 year old Staten Island youth jumped in front of a bus. She carried a note on her that stated that classmates were constantly teasing her and stole her personal possessions. While she recovered in the hospital classmates posted cruel comments on her Facebook page. Bullying is not considered a serious crime by many. Kids that report incidents are told to toughen up or fight back. Sometimes authorities tell children no one likes a tattle tale so they do not get the help they need.

Audrie Pott was attacked sexually at a party she attended by three boys. Photos were taken of the incident and posted online. She was at a sleepover and alcohol was involved The girls hung herself about 8 days after the incident. These photos were shared with classmates from Saratoga High School. She did not tell anyone about the attack or the incident. Her parents did not know about it until after her death.

A 15 year old Connecticut boy Bart Palosz took his life by shooting himself. His death is linked with many years of bullying at school and on social networks. He was a quiet boy that related better to adults than his peers. He was 6 feet 3 inches tall and had a Polish accent making him a target for frequent ridicule. Incidents include boys in town calling him names, pushing him into bushes, and destroying his cell phone.

He did not fight back or tell any adult about the bullying .The boy met with a guidance counselor several times but told the woman everything was fine. Although his parents claim they asked the school for help nothing was done. He also posted comments about suicide on social media recently a sign of trouble.

Another girl Cynthie Sanchez killed herself after years of peer bullying and cyber bullying. Sometimes kids just called her name but online they told her to kill herself and how. She suffered from depression so this lead to her actions. She was only 14 years old.

These are a few cases that show that bullying contributes to suicide in youth. Bullying suicide statistics are based on solid research.

Share– stories from others who have been bullied and what is done to their lives

These are real  bullying stories that others lived through, Unedited. If you have a story, please send it to us at: helpRyouthNOW@live.com

Hey my name is William but I go by Curtis. My dad is active military and was deployed for most of my younger years. We moved about every 2-3 years so making friends was more an more difficult and people seemed to think the new kid was an easy target to pick on. So from 3rd grade and on I was bullied for any an every reason. I was small, skinny, had big teeth, had a military style backpack, had a high voice, etc. Life was an awful thing to love everyday and there are so many time I wanted to quit. Just end it all. I cried everyday and tried to do anything I could to just fit in. I tried laying low, I tried hiding, and even football because football players are popular. I got -2 yards and a concussion because they put me, an 87 pound freshman at fullback against a 280 pound Samoan. He then told me “you are too small to ever amount to anything in sports”. Here comes the best part. I moved to Arizona as a sophomore in HS. clean slate. No one knew me. Perfect. I saw a quote online saying how wrestling is the only sport where you can be a champion no matter how small you are. I was Hooked. I laid low and let my actions in the sport speak for themselves. I worked hard everyday spilling blood, sweat an tears with a smile. Kids at my school pointed at me “that’s the kid that’s the state champ” or “that’s the national champion” and “he broke the _____ record.” I loved it. People looked up to me. Spoke highly of me. It was an addiction. Now, I wrestle NCAA d2 with my college paid for and the last kid who bullied me served me my burger at in-and-out.

Prepare

Lastly, how do we Prepare to help pothers, after we understand the warning signs, know that we can make a difference, and we are keen to provide links and numbers so you can help another, or help your child/a co worker/ a friend escape a bully.

Please know we will also highlight how to help a bully. Why bullies “bully”, and where there is help for them.

Aware– Watch for the signs of bullying of a child or adult. They appear in March’s Stick and Stones 2016.

Care– http://www.pacer.org/bullying/video

 

Sticks and Stones
April 2016

click here to read the full article..

Sticks and Stones Anti Bullying Campaign2016

Addressing the issue of bullying in our schools, in our workplaces, at home, and in society

Each Month we will have a section addressing the following highlights:

Aware– raising the awareness of the damaging, sometimes lifelong effects that bullying has

Raising the awareness of the effects that bullying has on our children in school, i.e. suicide rates for our children as early as elementary school not only nationwide, but escalating in Colorado

Care– why should we care?

Articles from the “Front”-

Share– stories form others who have been bullied and what is done to their lives

Prepare

Lastly, how do we Prepare to help pothers, after we understand the warning signs, know that we can make a difference, and we are keen to provide links and numbers so you can help another, or help your child/a co worker/ a friend escape a bully.

Please know we will also highlight how to help a bully. Why bullies “bully”, and where there is help for them.

Aware– Watch for the signs of bullying of a child or adult. They appear in March’s Stick and Stones 2016.

Care– http://pinterest.com/pin/168040629824071056

Share-http://www.noplace4hate.org/real-bullying-stories/

Stories from People Like You

Hi
My name is Elizabeth or Eliza or sometimes even Lizzia.
Where do I start….well from as far back as I can remember I’ve been bullied. From teachers to students to my own next door neighbours. I was born in Glasgow, Scotland but then moved to Norway when I was two. I lived there for almost five year and came back to my home in Aberdeen, Scotland when I was six. Now I lived, breathed and spoke Norwegian even my ancestry is Norwegian (or Danish still not sure about that) so when I came back to Scotland I was a scared six year old (older then everyone) starting a new school where nobody would understand me.

The bits I remember was this girl (I’m gonna call her Zoe) decide to pick on me because I was friends with the only other Norwegian girl Sunivia (pronounced Sun-eve-a). The bulling got worse when another girl (called Flora) left me when she found out I was still in nappies (diapers for you Americans) because I wet the bed. Anyway Sunivia left after my first year and the picking on got worse. When I was 11 my teacher made me take a Dyslexia test and I was told that I had Dyslexia and Dysgraphia (don’t ask). It took them seven years to know that…seven years of hell and comments like:

‘Why are you so stupid.’
‘Your a year older.’

I left when I was twelve leaving my friends after the Headmistress kicked me out and any other student who had a mental health problem or was diagnosed with a learning disability (unless like my BFF Frieda who’s mum worked at the school). I was angry and cried because I didn’t know what I did was wrong. Then I was moved to a new school and I knew from the moment I went there that I was gonna HATE it. The bulling that I’d tried so hard to escape from was back. And this time in a form I had not had since Kindergarten…boys. I had lived in a all girl school in Aberdeen for seven years and Zoe was back.

The boys thought it was funny that I was a book nerd and loved writing (which is probably why this is so long). My friend Amy was emotionally unstable and kicked me when see got made (she’s stopped now and we’re still firm friends). When I dyed hair for the first time they said:

‘Burn the Witch’
‘Burn the child of Satan.’
‘Left handed Witch!’
‘Burn the Faery Know!’ (fairy child of Scottish myths).

That last one was extremely offensive because my ancestor was burned at the stake for being a ‘Faery know’ in the Witch burning rave in Scotland. When I entered my third year of senior school (8th of 9th grade) he boys started to touch me in inappropriate places, chuck my stuff against the wall, rip my things out of my hands and rip to shreds. The girls in my dorm (boarding school) were just as mean. I was often sick because I was scared to go to school. They took my clothes, school books and then took my shampoo and squeezed out the contence on my bed and left it there. They also his my stuff and stole my hoodies so I was left in a freezing castle by the sea with nothing to keep me warm. The teachers didn’t help. I was off school more and I was scared for my mother.

My dad was in the army and his father was in the army and so on. They were all military officers with medals galore and a short temper. My father owns his own business and when I was ‘sick’ I was really watching out for my mother who is small, extremely skinny (almost anorexic) and I felt VERY OVERPROTECTIVE of her. As my grades slipped more arguments happened and more screaming matches between my father and I happened. Until my body couldn’t take it anymore and I really was sick. As it turned out I had something called ‘Viral Labyrinthitis.’ If anybody had had this you know it is hell. You can’t move without vomiting, I couldn’t shower and I didn’t eat much. The school kept pestering my mother sent me back. This lasted for a month before I was well enough to go back. I then had to see a Social Service lady who was trying to sort out the s- – – at home. I went back to school and the same boys then said to me
“Why don’t you just stop being weird Bromby!”

And then I realised. Keep reading E. Keep watching Harry Potter and raving about it and how Sirius should not have died. Keep being wanting to be a red head like your grandmother and your first cousins once removed and second cousins. Be proud that you are a descendent of a ‘Faery Know!’ and that you are the granddaughter of the dead Kenneth McKenzie the person in charge of most of the Scottish Whiskeys distilleries in Scotland, be happy that your Great-Great-Great Grandfather Daniel Adamson manufactured the Manchester Ship Cannel in 1880s. Be happy that you have thousands of cousins who love you. Be happy that your Aunt gave birth to two amazing first cousins you see as your siblings.

After that year I moved schools again. I didn’t know which s

Prepare..get involved..know the warning signs..see March Sticks and Stones