Everyone's Blog Posts - Bullying Sucks2024-03-19T11:07:59Zhttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?xn_auth=noBully Prevention at Mercer Island Martial Artstag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2016-04-19:6308663:BlogPost:111022016-04-19T23:48:07.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p><object width="425" height="344" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="src" value="http://swf.tubechop.com/tubechop.swf?vurl=bAgsnmuQhic&start=0&end=135.9&cid=7903933"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="false"></param><embed wmode="opaque" width="425" height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://swf.tubechop.com/tubechop.swf?vurl=bAgsnmuQhic&start=0&end=135.9&cid=7903933" allowfullscreen="false" allowscriptaccess="never"></embed> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque"></param></object>
</p>
<p><object width="425" height="344" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="src" value="http://swf.tubechop.com/tubechop.swf?vurl=bAgsnmuQhic&start=0&end=135.9&cid=7903933"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="false"></param><embed wmode="opaque" width="425" height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://swf.tubechop.com/tubechop.swf?vurl=bAgsnmuQhic&start=0&end=135.9&cid=7903933" allowfullscreen="false" allowscriptaccess="never"></embed> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque"></param></object>
</p>10 Ways To Deal with Bullyingtag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2016-04-19:6308663:BlogPost:93792016-04-19T23:43:59.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1562164593?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1562164593?profile=original" width="744"></img></a></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="font-size-4">About the Author:</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="font-size-4">MeLisa Strongheart is a Master Instructor and co-owner a<a href="http://www.mercerislandmartialarts.com/"><b>t Mercer Island Martial Arts</b></a> (MIMA), located on Mercer Island very between Bellevue and Seattle in Washington since 1997. MIMA's…</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1562164593?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1562164593?profile=original" width="744" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="font-size-4">About the Author:</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="font-size-4">MeLisa Strongheart is a Master Instructor and co-owner a<a href="http://www.mercerislandmartialarts.com/"><b>t Mercer Island Martial Arts</b></a> (MIMA), located on Mercer Island very between Bellevue and Seattle in Washington since 1997. MIMA's curriculum is intentionally designed to build fitness, flexibility, self-defense, as well as to create a milieu which engenders physiological growth, respect, courage, and community activism and leadership. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="font-size-4">MIMA has programs for families to practice side by side, as well as adult, teen, and children's classes. Also offers before and after school, and summer camp programs for kids.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="font-size-4"> </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="font-size-4">You can contact through email: strongheart@mercerislandmartialarts.com; calling 206 230-9050.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="font-size-4"> </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="font-size-4">The school is located at:</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="font-size-4">2630 77th Ave SE #106-108 Mercer Island, WA 98040 </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="font-size-4">Parking free under the building.</span></p>Bullying Education From a Kid's Perspectivetag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2016-04-19:6308663:BlogPost:106012016-04-19T23:30:00.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<h1 class="entry-title"><a href="http://fifth-grader.socialchive.com/five-teenagers-are-asked-why-1-kid-is-being-bullied-watch-what-the-boy-on-the-end-reveals/" rel="bookmark" title="Permalink to Five elementary kids are asked why 1 kid is being bullied… watch what the boy on the end reveals.">Five elementary kids are asked why 1 kid is being bullied… watch what the boy on the end reveals.…</a></h1>
<p></p>
<h1 class="entry-title"></h1>
<h1 class="entry-title"><a href="http://fifth-grader.socialchive.com/five-teenagers-are-asked-why-1-kid-is-being-bullied-watch-what-the-boy-on-the-end-reveals/" title="Permalink to Five elementary kids are asked why 1 kid is being bullied… watch what the boy on the end reveals." rel="bookmark">Five elementary kids are asked why 1 kid is being bullied… watch what the boy on the end reveals.</a></h1>
<p></p>
<h1 class="entry-title"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="http://fifth-grader.socialchive.com/five-teenagers-are-asked-why-1-kid-is-being-bullied-watch-what-the-boy-on-the-end-reveals/" title="Permalink to Five elementary kids are asked why 1 kid is being bullied… watch what the boy on the end reveals." rel="bookmark">Talking with USA Today, A fifth grader at Franklin Elementary in Mankato, MN a very important question. “Why single out somebody who has special needs?” he inquires. As indicated by the U.S. Division of Health & Human Services site, kids with incapacities are at an expanded risk of being harassed. “Any number of variables — physical helplessness, social aptitude challenges, or narrow minded situations — may expand the risk,” it says.</a></span></span></h1>
<p></p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xdeuivQYnas?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5"><a href="http://fifth-grader.socialchive.com/five-teenagers-are-asked-why-1-kid-is-being-bullied-watch-what-the-boy-on-the-end-reveals/" target="_blank">for the rest of the story: Click Here</a></span></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>Call or Write Anytime: 206 230-9050; strongheart@mercerislandmartialarts.comtag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2016-04-03:6308663:BlogPost:93762016-04-03T04:00:00.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p><a width="721" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1562164512?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="721" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1562164512?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p><a width="721" target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1562164512?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"><img width="721" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1562164512?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>Take the quiz!tag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2016-03-20:6308663:BlogPost:105012016-03-20T02:30:00.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p><a href="http://www.education.com/quiz/bullying-myths/"><img src="http://www.education.com/files/static/quiz/badge/bullying-myths/bullying-myth-buster%20(2).png" border="0" title="How Much do You Know About Bullying? Take this Quiz to Find Out if You’re a Bullying MythBuster!" alt="How Much do You Know About Bullying? Take this Quiz to Find Out if You’re a Bullying MythBuster!"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.education.com/quiz/bullying-myths/"><img src="http://www.education.com/files/static/quiz/badge/bullying-myths/bullying-myth-buster%20(2).png" border="0" title="How Much do You Know About Bullying? Take this Quiz to Find Out if You’re a Bullying MythBuster!" alt="How Much do You Know About Bullying? Take this Quiz to Find Out if You’re a Bullying MythBuster!"/></a></p>Facebook's Anti Bully Informationtag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2014-09-10:6308663:BlogPost:100032014-09-10T00:55:36.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p> check it out at:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/safety/bullying" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/safety/bullying</a></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1562164500?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1562164500?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a> About the Author:<br></br><br></br>MeLisa Strongheart is a Master Instructor and co-owner at Mercer Island Martial Arts (MIMA), located on Mercer Island very between Bellevue and Seattle in Washington since 1997. MIMA's curriculum is…</p>
<p> check it out at:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/safety/bullying" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/safety/bullying</a></p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1562164500?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1562164500?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a>About the Author:<br/><br/>MeLisa Strongheart is a Master Instructor and co-owner at Mercer Island Martial Arts (MIMA), located on Mercer Island very between Bellevue and Seattle in Washington since 1997. MIMA's curriculum is intentionally designed to build fitness, flexibility, self-defense, as well as to create a milieu which engenders physiological growth, respect, courage, and community activism and leadership. <br/><br/>MIMA has programs for families to practice side by side, as well as adult, teen, and children's classes. Also offers before and after school, and summer camp programs for kids.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>You can contact through email: strongheart@mercerislandmartialarts.com; calling 206 230-9050.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>The school is located at:<br/><br/>2630 77th Ave SE #106-108 Mercer Island, WA 98040 <br/>Parking free under the building.<br/><br/></p>What to do if you see bullying : for Elementary School Age Kidstag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2014-08-13:6308663:BlogPost:99012014-08-13T23:26:11.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p>There are so many amazing resources at the pacer.org site about bully prevention. This one seems like a perfect, age appropriate, simple handout for parents to use to talk to their elementary school age kids about bullying. </p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://www.pacer.org/bullying/pdf/EleEd-ifSeeBullying.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.pacer.org/bullying/pdf/EleEd-ifSeeBullying.pdf…</a></p>
<p><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1562164457?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></p>
<p>There are so many amazing resources at the pacer.org site about bully prevention. This one seems like a perfect, age appropriate, simple handout for parents to use to talk to their elementary school age kids about bullying. </p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://www.pacer.org/bullying/pdf/EleEd-ifSeeBullying.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.pacer.org/bullying/pdf/EleEd-ifSeeBullying.pdf</a></p>
<p><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1562164457?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-left"/></p>Really Liked Thistag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2014-07-29:6308663:BlogPost:91942014-07-29T23:15:16.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/29/74/96/2974963d9c17605578b41b3054b01a44.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/29/74/96/2974963d9c17605578b41b3054b01a44.jpg" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/29/74/96/2974963d9c17605578b41b3054b01a44.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/29/74/96/2974963d9c17605578b41b3054b01a44.jpg" class="align-full"/></a></p>What do you think? Institutionalized Bullying? Racism? Or no Big deal?tag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2014-06-12:6308663:BlogPost:91852014-06-12T14:30:00.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="www.youtube.com/embed/mR-tbOxlhvE?wmode=opaque" width="560"></iframe>
</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>About the Author:</p>
<p>MeLisa Strongheart is a Master Instructor and co-owner a<a href="http://www.mercerislandmartialarts.com" target="_blank">t Mercer Island Martial Arts</a> (MIMA), located on Mercer Island very between Bellevue and Seattle in Washington since 1997. MIMA's curriculum is intentionally designed to build fitness, flexibility,…</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/mR-tbOxlhvE?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>About the Author:</p>
<p>MeLisa Strongheart is a Master Instructor and co-owner a<a href="http://www.mercerislandmartialarts.com" target="_blank">t Mercer Island Martial Arts</a> (MIMA), located on Mercer Island very between Bellevue and Seattle in Washington since 1997. MIMA's curriculum is intentionally designed to build fitness, flexibility, self-defense, as well as to create a milieu which engenders physiological growth, respect, courage, and community activism and leadership. </p>
<p>MIMA has programs for families to practice side by side, as well as adult, teen, and children's classes. Also offers before and after school, and summer camp programs for kids.</p>
<p></p>
<p>You can contact through email: strongheart@mercerislandmartialarts.com; calling 206 230-9050.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The school is located at:</p>
<pre>2630 77th Ave SE #106-108 Mercer Island, WA 98040 <br/>Parking free under the building.</pre>The CDC Reports: The Relationship Between Bullying and Suicidetag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2014-05-01:6308663:BlogPost:94672014-05-01T22:27:17.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p><a href="http://fabmagazineonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/amanda111.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://fabmagazineonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/amanda111.jpg" class="align-left"/></a>Great full article. Useful information. Get it at this link from the CDC: <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/bullying-suicide-translation-final-a.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/bullying-suicide-translation-final-a.pdf</a></p>
<p><a href="http://fabmagazineonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/amanda111.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://fabmagazineonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/amanda111.jpg" class="align-left"/></a>Great full article. Useful information. Get it at this link from the CDC: <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/bullying-suicide-translation-final-a.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/bullying-suicide-translation-final-a.pdf</a></p>Mental And Physical Toll Of Bullying Persists For Decades by LINDA POONtag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2014-04-24:6308663:BlogPost:93692014-04-24T22:47:20.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p></p>
<p><img class="align-full" src="http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2014/04/18/istock_000019606333large_wide-0607a3dd0eb636f34ead950ddbcd57cfefae64c6-s4-c85.jpg?width=409" width="409"></img></p>
<p>What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger, right?</p>
<p>Well, not when it comes to bullying.</p>
<p>Some may still consider bullying a harmless part of growing up, but mounting evidence suggests that the adverse effects of being bullied aren't some</p>
<p>thing kids can just shake off. The psychological and physical tolls, like anxiety and depression</p>
<p></p>
<p>For the full story click …</p>
<p></p>
<p><img src="http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2014/04/18/istock_000019606333large_wide-0607a3dd0eb636f34ead950ddbcd57cfefae64c6-s4-c85.jpg?width=409" width="409" class="align-full"/></p>
<p>What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger, right?</p>
<p>Well, not when it comes to bullying.</p>
<p>Some may still consider bullying a harmless part of growing up, but mounting evidence suggests that the adverse effects of being bullied aren't some</p>
<p>thing kids can just shake off. The psychological and physical tolls, like anxiety and depression</p>
<p></p>
<p>For the full story click <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/04/19/304528674/mental-and-physical-toll-of-bullying-persists-for-decades" target="_blank">HERE</a></p>Common Myths Concerning Violence in Relationshipstag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2014-04-03:6308663:BlogPost:94642014-04-03T19:39:36.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p><b><a href="http://www.amanecerla.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/TeenViolence.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://www.amanecerla.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/TeenViolence.jpg"></img></a> Myth:</b> Violence in relationships does not affect many people.</p>
<p><b>Fact:</b> Studies estimate that one in three teens are in an abusive relationship.</p>
<p><b>Myth:</b> Battering is only a momentary loss of temper. One incident doesn't constitute abuse.</p>
<p><b>Fact:</b> Battering involves the establishment of fear and control in a relationship through violence and…</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.amanecerla.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/TeenViolence.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.amanecerla.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/TeenViolence.jpg" class="align-left"/></a>Myth:</b> Violence in relationships does not affect many people.</p>
<p><b>Fact:</b> Studies estimate that one in three teens are in an abusive relationship.</p>
<p><b>Myth:</b> Battering is only a momentary loss of temper. One incident doesn't constitute abuse.</p>
<p><b>Fact:</b> Battering involves the establishment of fear and control in a relationship through violence and other forms of abuse used to manipulate one’s partner. Its manifestation through violence is a physical example of abuse that has already been occurring.</p>
<p><b>Myth:</b> Domestic violence only occurs in poor, urban areas.</p>
<p><b>Fact:</b> Women of all cultures, races, income, levels, and ages are abused by husbands, boyfriends, lovers and partners.</p>
<p><b>Myth:</b> Men can’t be victims of violence in relationships.</p>
<p><b>Fact:</b> Men can be abused by their girlfriends and partners, but are often unwilling to seek help because admitting abuse runs contrary to the “macho” image men are encouraged to maintain.</p>
<p><b>Myth:</b> I'm very strong, independent and intelligent and so would never fall victim to an abusive relationship.</p>
<p><b>Fact:</b> <i>Anyone</i> can find themselves in an abusive and controlling relationship, no matter if you are male or female, intelligent or worldly, or strong and independent.</p>
<p></p>
<p>reposted: 2006 Stanford University.</p>
<p></p>
<p>If you need help, or more info please feel free to contact me at (206) 230-9050, or email me directly at strongheart@mercerislandmartialarts.com; </p>Reminders of Why We Keep Tryingtag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2014-02-10:6308663:BlogPost:92842014-02-10T21:49:58.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<h1>When Jeremiah Couldn't Take More Bullying, He Took His Life</h1>
<p><a href="http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2014/01/30/lasaterfootball_custom-1fe5437cb9341ac607139c16dee075305e0b5d11-s3-c85.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" height="473" src="http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2014/01/30/lasaterfootball_custom-1fe5437cb9341ac607139c16dee075305e0b5d11-s3-c85.jpg" width="332"></img></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>How tired of that headline are we? What can be done? Here is a link to the story:…</p>
<p></p>
<h1>When Jeremiah Couldn't Take More Bullying, He Took His Life</h1>
<p><a href="http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2014/01/30/lasaterfootball_custom-1fe5437cb9341ac607139c16dee075305e0b5d11-s3-c85.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2014/01/30/lasaterfootball_custom-1fe5437cb9341ac607139c16dee075305e0b5d11-s3-c85.jpg" class="align-left" width="332" height="473"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>How tired of that headline are we? What can be done? Here is a link to the story:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.npr.org/2014/01/31/268996343/when-jeremiah-couldnt-take-more-bullying-he-took-his-life" target="_blank">http://www.npr.org/2014/01/31/268996343/when-jeremiah-couldnt-take-more-bullying-he-took-his-life</a></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>Well, everyday I go out on the floor and teach the kid's about respect, tolerance, kindness, compassion, and courage. The courage to stand up. For themselves, for others, for what is right. </p>
<p>And I add another blog post. </p>
<p></p>
<p>If you, or any group that you know of, or a kid, or your kid's class, or boy scouts, or girl scouts, or?? would like to learn more about how to prevent bullying. How to handle being a bystander, a victim, or even to recognize when behavior is turning into bullying. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Let me know. We can help. We are good at it. And we will keep on doing it. </p>
<p></p>
<p>MeLisa Strongheart</p>
<p>206 230-9050</p>
<p>strongheart@mercerislandmartialarts.com</p>To This Day Project - Shane Koyczantag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2013-10-23:6308663:BlogPost:94452013-10-23T20:00:00.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="www.youtube.com/embed/ltun92DfnPY?wmode=opaque" width="560"></iframe>
Amazing video. I first heard this poet speak on a TedVideo -- I love the video they have made. Here is info on the video from his website:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>"<span>To This Day is a project based on a spoken word poem written by Shane Koyczan called “To This Day”, to further explore the profound and lasting impact that bullying can have on an individual.</span></p>
<div>Giant…</div>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ltun92DfnPY?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
Amazing video. I first heard this poet speak on a TedVideo -- I love the video they have made. Here is info on the video from his website:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>"<span>To This Day is a project based on a spoken word poem written by Shane Koyczan called “To This Day”, to further explore the profound and lasting impact that bullying can have on an individual.</span></p>
<div>Giant Ant worked with Shane to develop this call for submissions and which we pushed to our network and the broader animation community.</div>
<div>86 animators and motion artists donated their time and brought their unique styles to 20 second segments that we threaded into one fluid voice (below right). This collaborative volunteer effort demonstrates what a community of caring individuals are capable of when they come together."</div>Boy asks Santa to make kids stop bullying his sistertag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2013-09-17:6308663:BlogPost:93422013-09-17T21:55:15.000ZJess Merlyhttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/JessMerly
<h1>I saw this article and thought it was great!</h1>
<div class="cnn_cb_lc"><div class="cnn_strycblogo"><div>Join the conversation</div>
<div><a href="http://www.ireport.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="iReport" border="0" src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/ssi/story/3.0/banner/ireport.inc/partner.logo.jpg"></img> CNN iReport</a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="cnn_stryathrtmp"><div class="cnnByline">By <strong>Jareen Imam, </strong>CNN</div>
<div class="cnn_strytmstmp">updated 12:35 PM EDT, Tue September 17, 2013…</div>
</div>
<div class="cnn_strycntntlft"><div class="cnn_stryimg640captioned"><img alt="Ryan wrote to Santa, asking for help to stop the bullying his sister, Amber, is facing at school." border="0" height="360" src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/130915144120-irpt-bully-letter-story-top.jpg" width="640"></img></div>
</div>
<h1>I saw this article and thought it was great!</h1>
<div class="cnn_cb_lc"><div class="cnn_strycblogo"><div>Join the conversation</div>
<div><a href="http://www.ireport.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/ssi/story/3.0/banner/ireport.inc/partner.logo.jpg" border="0" alt="iReport"/> CNN iReport</a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="cnn_stryathrtmp"><div class="cnnByline">By <strong>Jareen Imam, </strong>CNN</div>
<div class="cnn_strytmstmp">updated 12:35 PM EDT, Tue September 17, 2013</div>
</div>
<div class="cnn_strycntntlft"><div class="cnn_stryimg640captioned"><img src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/130915144120-irpt-bully-letter-story-top.jpg" alt="Ryan wrote to Santa, asking for help to stop the bullying his sister, Amber, is facing at school." border="0" height="360" width="640"/></div>
<div class="cnn_stryimg640caption"><div class="cnn_strycaptiontxt">Ryan wrote to Santa, asking for help to stop the bullying his sister, Amber, is facing at school.</div>
</div>
<a name="em0" id="em0"></a><br />
<div class="cnn_strylftcntnt"><div class="cnn_strylctcntr"><div><strong>STORY HIGHLIGHTS</strong></div>
<ul class="cnn_bulletbin cnnStryHghLght">
<li>8-year-old Ryan wrote a letter to Santa after seeing his sister being bullied at school</li>
<li>Ryan's sister Amber is bullied by her peers on the bus and during class because of her weight</li>
<li>Mother shared story with blogger Tony Posnanski, who posted it on <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1036156">CNN iReport</a></li>
<li>Ryan's letter to Santa gained thousands of views</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div class="cnn_strylftcntnt adtag15090"><div id="ad-179cc9ea480c1691" align="center"></div>
</div>
<p><strong>(CNN)</strong> -- For many families, the school year just started, but for Karen Suffern, it's not too early to start planning for Christmas.</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph2">The financially struggling single mother of fraternal twins recently asked her 8-year-olds to write down a list of things they would like from Santa. Suffern, who works part time as an administrative assistant for a home health care company, wanted to start budgeting for the holidays. She knew her twins, who just began third grade, were at the age where they would start asking for electronics and other expensive gifts.</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph3">Her son, Ryan's, letter to Santa started off normally:</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph4">"Dear Santa ... I wanted a (remote control) car and helicopter, but I don't want that anymor. Kid at school are still picking on Amber and its not fair," he wrote. "I prayed that they will stop but god is bisy and needs your help."</p>
<a name="em1" id="em1"></a><br />
<div class="cnn_strylftcntnt cnn_strylftcexpbx" id="expand15"><div id="clickToPlayvideoContainerexpand15" class="clickToPlay"></div>
<img src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/130913150459-nr-pkg-ganim-sedwick-bullying-suicide-00003802-story-body.jpg" alt="" border="0" class="box-image" height="120" width="214"/><cite class="expCaption"><span>Girl jumps off building after bullying</span></cite></div>
<a name="em2" id="em2"></a><br />
<div class="cnn_strylftcntnt cnn_strylftcexpbx" id="expand25"><div id="clickToPlayvideoContainerexpand25" class="clickToPlay"></div>
<img src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/130914143648-exp-whitfield-legal-online-bullying-00020817-story-body.jpg" alt="" border="0" class="box-image" height="120" width="214"/><cite class="expCaption"><span>California school to monitor kids online</span></cite></div>
<a name="em3" id="em3"></a><br />
<div class="cnn_strylftcntnt cnn_strylftcexpbx" id="expand35"><div id="clickToPlayvideoContainerexpand35" class="clickToPlay"></div>
<img src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/130904201029-erin-flores-connecticut-bullying-suicide-00024912-story-body.jpg" alt="" border="0" class="box-image" height="120" width="214"/><cite class="expCaption"><span>Family: Teen was bullied before suicide</span></cite></div>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph5">Suffern felt tears fill her eyes as she read her son's letter asking Santa to help stop the bullying his overweight sister was experiencing at school.</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph6">Reading the letter was tough for Suffern. "I try to build up my daughter's self-esteem and tell her she is beautiful, but people say hurtful things to me, because I also have a weight problem, and that hurts me," she said. "I can't imagine what she goes through."</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph7">She had a vague idea that Amber was teased on the bus, but she didn't know the extent of the bullying. Amber, who has attention-deficit (hyperactivity) disorder and other mental and mood disorders, never mentioned the teasing.</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph8"><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/11/living/bully-proof-kids-hetter/index.html" target="_blank">Bully-proofing your kids</a></p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph9">Suffern explains that Amber is an emotional eater and weighs 140 pounds, nearly twice the size of her brother, Ryan.</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph10">The twins returned to school three weeks ago at Rocky Mount Preparatory in North Carolina. It's the first time Ryan and Amber have been in the same classes.</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph11">Ryan would come up to Suffern to tell her in private about classmates bullying Amber -- how the kids in gym class would laugh at her when she could not do the bear crawl on the floor, tease her about her weight in class or tell her that she was adopted because she is multiracial.</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph12">"Every day when she goes to school, she says, 'Mommy, can I just stay at home?' and she just doesn't want to go.' And now every time I send her to school, I feel like I am not protecting her and I am letting her down," Suffern said.</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph13">After reading her son's letter over the weekend, Suffern shared it online with friends, including <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tonyposnanski" target="_blank">Tony Posnanski's Facebook page</a>, where he features stories of inspiration, weight loss and life advice.</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph14">Posnanski says he was moved by Ryan's letter because it reminded him of his childhood. "When I was a kid, I was bullied for a bit" because of his weight, he explained. Posnanski posted the story to<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1036156">CNN iReport, </a>where it quickly garnered thousands of page views.</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph15">"I wanted to do something to get (the story) out," Posnanki said, adding that bullying is a serious issue that deserves attention.</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph16">A study released Monday in the<a href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2013/09/11/peds.2013-0614" target="_blank"> journal Pediatrics</a> says there is an association between being bullied and psychosomatic problems, meaning children who are bullied<a href="http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/Being-Bullied-During-Childhood-Can-Lead-to-Health-Problems.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token" target="_blank"> run the risk of higher mental problems</a> that can cause them physical distress. Study authors Gianluca Gini and Tiziana Pozzoli write, "Given that school bullying is a widespread phenomenon in many countries around the world, the present results indicate that bullying should be considered a significant international public health problem."</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph17">Others studies report that as many as <a href="http://www.martialartsforpeace.com/pages/bullyingstatistics.html" target="_blank">one in four children is bullied</a>. There have been several incidents of teens bullied to the point of committing suicide, most recently 12-year-old Rebecca Sedwick, who<a href="http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/us/2013/09/13/nr-pkg-ganim-sedwick-bullying-suicide.cnn.html"> jumped off a building because of cyberbullying</a>.</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph18">Suffern says Ryan's letter to Santa sheds new light on her daughter's situation, and she plans on speaking to Amber's teachers and the parents of the bullies at school.</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph19">"If my kids don't call names and pick on others, I would expect other parents to teach their kids to be respectful, too," she said. "There have been times my kids would point at others and say, 'why is her hair so strange' and things like that, and I would say, 'You know, people are different, and that is just the way they are.' "</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph20">She says it's important to realize that bullying comes in all sorts of forms. "I understand that sometimes schools try to do as much as they can, but bullying doesn't have to physical; name-calling and putting someone down are considered bullying to me."</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph21">And Suffern says she is glad to have a selfless son like Ryan -- plus Santa -- watching out for Amber, too.</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph22"><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/14/health/father-son-bariatric-surgery/index.html" target="_blank">Father, son lose 260 pounds after weight loss surgery</a></p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph23"><strong>Update:</strong> Rocky Mount Prep Charter School <a href="http://rmprep.org/rmprep-responds-to-bullying/" target="_blank">posted a statement on its website</a> Monday. It reads in part:</p>
<p class="cnn_storypgraphtxt cnn_storypgraph24">"We are hyper-vigilant at Rocky Mount Prep to prevent, intervene and protect our scholars from instances such as this. Our teachers and staff have received training to recognize and address these types of behaviors, and we are proud of the way they respond. We are saddened that this has taken place within our school family, and we can assure all of our parents, scholars and community that we will continue to do everything possible to provide them with a positive and safe learning environment."</p>
</div>This Says it All.tag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2013-08-06:6308663:BlogPost:14112013-08-06T23:41:38.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1562164187?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1562164187?profile=original"/></a>We really want to help.</p>
<p>call me: 206 230 9050--- or email: strongheart@mercerislandmartialarts.com; or contact me through my bio page: </p>
<p><a href="http://flavors.me/strongheart" target="_blank">http://flavors.me/strongheart</a></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1562164187?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1562164187?profile=original"/></a>We really want to help.</p>
<p>call me: 206 230 9050--- or email: strongheart@mercerislandmartialarts.com; or contact me through my bio page: </p>
<p><a href="http://flavors.me/strongheart" target="_blank">http://flavors.me/strongheart</a></p>An Ode to the Bulliestag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2013-03-14:6308663:BlogPost:87012013-03-14T18:30:00.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<div class="postbody"><div class="xg_user_generated"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414;"><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://bullyingproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/bully7.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" height="212" src="http://bullyingproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/bully7.jpg" width="295"></img></a> It is easy to be angry, and upset about the behavior of bullies. After all we know that their behavior has terrible outcomes for their victims. But empathy, and compassion for bullies, ought to be part of our approach to the…</span></p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="postbody"><div class="xg_user_generated"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414;"><span class="font-size-3"><a target="_blank" href="http://bullyingproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/bully7.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://bullyingproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/bully7.jpg" height="212" width="295"/></a>It is easy to be angry, and upset about the behavior of bullies. After all we know that their behavior has terrible outcomes for their victims. But empathy, and compassion for bullies, ought to be part of our approach to the problem of bullying.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414; min-height: 13.0px;"></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414;"><span class="font-size-3" style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Kids do not become bullies without system involvement. Remember without the bystanders, and the silent consent given by folks within their system, the bully would not have the ability to bully at all. In fact, the research is clear that the negative effect on passive victims are without question impactfull, but the most damage is done to the psychology of the “victim-bullies”. I will talk about victim bullies in another post because, in order to understand a victim bully I think it is helpful to get a better picture of the so called typical bully.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414; min-height: 13.0px;"></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414;"><span class="font-size-3" style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">That bully is the kid who is having trouble with anger management. A kid who flies off the handle, a kid who has a level 9 response to a level 4 experience. That kid is also someone who has trouble managing her impulses. Calls out instead of raising her hand, or the kid who throws a ball and hits someone in the face, without thinking. Knowing that, we can also understand that they are kids who become easily frustrated, and have trouble following rules and are often found in the principals office, or receiving consequences or repeated rule breaking. One of the most telling issues is that these kids have a positive view of violence. (1)</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414; min-height: 13.0px;"></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414;"><span class="font-size-3" style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So, the natural question arises: where do these behaviors come from? Nurture, nature, or somewhere in between. The answer is yes. Kids who become bullies share common risk factors-- lack of warmth and involvement of families, and at the same time too permissive parenting including a lack of limits, and clarity about what is, and is not, acceptable behavior. A mixture of both a lack of supervision combined with harsh, including corporal punishment. There is significant links between bullying and children who have been physically and sexually abused. (1)</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414; min-height: 13.0px;"></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414;"><span class="font-size-3" style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I am not saying these kids need to be sat down and reasoned with, or coddled in any way. They need clear guidelines for what is, and isn’t ok. They need consistent enforcement of boundaries and limitations, and consistent positive or negative feedback for their behavior. They need love, love that says--”no”, and “lets go this direction”. They need to be taught, and yes I have seen children time and time again, learn to develop compassion, and empathy. They need a positive outlet for their dominance seeking, and place to learn safely how to manage their impulses, and perhaps a place where they can be strong and dominant while learning that true strength can be shown through kindness. That true power is self control. That physical strength must be balanced with mental strength. They need positive relationships with kids who are older, and more powerful, that they can model their behavior after. Bottom line, they need an extensive, full system designed around meeting these goals.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414; min-height: 13.0px;"></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414;"><span class="font-size-3" style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Of course that is where we come in.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414; min-height: 13.0px;"></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414;"><span class="font-size-3" style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I frankly, have had a lot of good outcomes with these bullies within the context of training them in martial arts. And really actually enjoy working with the kids. And I think without having a place for them to learn a new way of being they are going to have a hard time succeeding. This is where our “BullyingSucks.com” comes in. One of the exercises I have done with kids over the years is ask the kids to describe what bullying is, which invariably is pretty easy for them to do: teasing, name calling, hitting, kicking, excluding, threatening, intimidating etc. And then I ask them, to raise their hand, if they have siblings. Most raise their hands. Then I ask them to raise their hands if they have done that to their siblings. . . At which point, I raise my hand because of course I did some of that to my siblings, and most of them follow suit. Helping us all to recognize our own inner bully, as it were, helps us to develop an understanding, I think, of not only the bullies in our lives, but also dis-empowers the mystique of the bully.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414; min-height: 13.0px;"></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414;"><span class="font-size-3" style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So: bullies, victims, victim bullies, or bystanders, community leaders, teachers, police, or religious leaders, lets get together and STOP BULLYING NOW.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414; min-height: 13.0px;"></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414;"><span class="font-size-3" style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Feel free to contact me for any information, questions or help, or how we can bring prevention education to you, your group/class, or your kids.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414; min-height: 13.0px;"></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414;"><span class="font-size-3" style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">MeLisa Strongheart</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414;"><span class="font-size-3" style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">M.A. Psychology</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414;"><span class="font-size-3" style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">5th Dan master instructor</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #1f00a7;"><span class="font-size-3" style="text-decoration: underline; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><a href="mailto:Strongheart@mercerislandmartialarts.com">Strongheart@mercerislandmartialarts.com</a></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414;"><span class="font-size-3" style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">206 230 9050</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414;"><span class="font-size-3" style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Mercerislandmartialarts.ning.com</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414; min-height: 13.0px;"></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414; min-height: 13.0px;"></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414;"><span class="font-size-3">(1) <span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The Research cited for this article is from the Educational Forum on Adolescent Health: Youth Bullying</span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414;"><span class="font-size-3" style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">AMA, physicians dedicated to the health of America</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; color: #141414; min-height: 13.0px;"></p>
</div>
</div>Anti-bullying = couragetag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2012-07-02:6308663:BlogPost:72052012-07-02T20:39:50.000ZVictoria Harrishttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/VictoriaHarris
<p><a href="http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/suns-prod-images/1336577154377_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&size=650x" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/suns-prod-images/1336577154377_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&size=650x"></img></a></p>
<p>photo credit : Toronto Sun<br></br> --- click through for the full story.…</p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/suns-prod-images/1336577154377_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&size=650x"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/suns-prod-images/1336577154377_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&size=650x"/></a></p>
<p>photo credit : Toronto Sun<br/> --- click through for the full story.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.torontosun.com/2012/05/17/boy-9-stands-up-to-westboro-baptist-protesters?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=recommend-button&utm_campaign=Boy%2C+9%2C+stands+up+to+homophobic+protesters">http://www.torontosun.com/2012/05/17/boy-9-stands-up-to-westboro-baptist-protesters?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=recommend-button&utm_campaign=Boy%2C+9%2C+stands+up+to+homophobic+protesters</a></p>Another Reason we Work to End Bullyingtag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2012-06-16:6308663:BlogPost:71012012-06-16T02:00:00.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p><a href="http://towleroad.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c730253ef0176154443a5970c-pi" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" height="196" src="http://towleroad.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c730253ef0176154443a5970c-pi" width="243"></img></a></p>
<p>Brandon Elizares, a 16-year-old from El Paso, Tex., took his own life early this month after being bullied and threatened at school because of his sexuality, <a href="http://www.kvia.com/news/31185911/detail.html?hpt=us_bn8" target="_hplink">KVIA-TV reports</a>.</p>
<p>"My name is Brandon Joseph Elizares and I couldn't make it," his suicide note read, according to the…</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://towleroad.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c730253ef0176154443a5970c-pi"><img class="align-left" src="http://towleroad.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c730253ef0176154443a5970c-pi" height="196" width="243"/></a></p>
<p>Brandon Elizares, a 16-year-old from El Paso, Tex., took his own life early this month after being bullied and threatened at school because of his sexuality, <a href="http://www.kvia.com/news/31185911/detail.html?hpt=us_bn8" target="_hplink">KVIA-TV reports</a>.</p>
<p>"My name is Brandon Joseph Elizares and I couldn't make it," his suicide note read, according to the station. "I love you guys with all of my heart."</p>
<p>The <em>El Paso Times</em> reports Elizares <a href="http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_20847745/el-paso-gay-teen-commits-suicide-after-being" target="_hplink">committed suicide the day after he received a threatening text</a> from a classmate. for more on the article click through <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/14/brandon-elizares-gay-teen-commits-suicide-leaves-note_n_1598272.html?utm_hp_ref=gay-voiceshttp://" target="_blank">HERE</a></p>Thanks to Ellentag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2012-03-22:6308663:BlogPost:67322012-03-22T21:51:32.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CvcxhgjD63M?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CvcxhgjD63M?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>Verdicttag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2012-03-17:6308663:BlogPost:69162012-03-17T00:45:53.000ZVictoria Harrishttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/VictoriaHarris
<p>The verdict came in today - guilty on most of the charges .... which essentially boil down to bullying. But again (and again, and again) the cost to the victim was so high. Arguably, the victim paid with the highest possible price - his life. The perpetrator was actually charged with several hate crimes - hence the possible length of the sentence. The popular media is saying that the perpetrator will be deported ....</p>
<p></p>
<p>Truly, everyone connected to this event has been harmed.…</p>
<p>The verdict came in today - guilty on most of the charges .... which essentially boil down to bullying. But again (and again, and again) the cost to the victim was so high. Arguably, the victim paid with the highest possible price - his life. The perpetrator was actually charged with several hate crimes - hence the possible length of the sentence. The popular media is saying that the perpetrator will be deported ....</p>
<p></p>
<p>Truly, everyone connected to this event has been harmed. Two families, countless friends, other students on campus, first responders, siblings, .... the list is endless.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-rutgers-verdict-20120317,0,1451149.story">http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-rutgers-verdict-20120317,0,1451149.story</a></p>Cyberbullytag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2012-03-06:6308663:BlogPost:67312012-03-06T23:22:59.000ZVictoria Harrishttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/VictoriaHarris
<p>Watched this movie with my daughter (12 yrs old): <a href="http://abcfamily.go.com/movies/cyberbully">http://abcfamily.go.com/movies/cyberbully</a></p>
<p><a href="http://bullyinglte.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/cyber.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://bullyinglte.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/cyber.jpg"></img></a></p>
<p>She is online - on facebook, texts and IMs as the primary means to communicate with her friends, and is very involved in her social group. She really liked the movie - she thought that it was very possible / plausible. I think that…</p>
<p>Watched this movie with my daughter (12 yrs old): <a href="http://abcfamily.go.com/movies/cyberbully">http://abcfamily.go.com/movies/cyberbully</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://bullyinglte.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/cyber.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://bullyinglte.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/cyber.jpg"/></a></p>
<p>She is online - on facebook, texts and IMs as the primary means to communicate with her friends, and is very involved in her social group. She really liked the movie - she thought that it was very possible / plausible. I think that part of what she was saying (nicely of course) is how clueless the teens' parents were about what really happens in the social network of the teens. And from her perspective, that it would definitely be a catastrophe to be the target of cyberbullying. Maybe even enough to end your life over - particularly because ".... no one (none of the adults) would have a clue how bad it was ...."</p>
<p></p>
<p>Talk about a dose of reality. That the primary task of teens - to separate from parents and other adults - leaves them completely isolated when bullied by their peers thru modern technology. And the desperation of being isolated both from adults and their peer group - is enough to drive a teen to suicide. Wow. In that very short conversation with my daughter, I could see the desperation to belong and an outcome of essentially being shunned by their peers. </p>
<p></p>
<p>So, I asked my daughter what she thought parents could do to help prevent both cyberbullying and to help a teen if they were either the target or perpetrator. My daughter rolled her eyes at me and said: "Mom. Its simple. Just keep talking to me .... no. Just let me talk to you ..... I need to do it lots over stuff that doesn't matter if I'm going to talk to you about something like this." </p>
<p></p>
<p>Indeed child.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Strongly recommend the movie for parents to watch with their kids - to use as a springboard for discussions. What is cyberbullying? What would you do if one of your friends was a target? What if you found out they were the bully? Can you be friends with a bully? How? What if your friend is being bullied and won't talk with an adult? </p>Great Video: Hallway Herotag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2012-02-29:6308663:BlogPost:66212012-02-29T19:31:48.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PtFtbaKIYyg?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PtFtbaKIYyg?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>Petition to Change the rating of the new movie about Bullyingtag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2012-02-28:6308663:BlogPost:68232012-02-28T19:00:00.000ZKrista Wellshttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/KristaWells
<p><a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/mpaa-dont-let-the-bullies-win-give-bully-a-pg-13-instead-of-an-r-rating">http://www.change.org/petitions/mpaa-dont-let-the-bullies-win-give-bully-a-pg-13-instead-of-an-r-rating</a></p>
<p></p>
<p> I haven't actually seen the movie as it has not been released, but the previews look like it's going to be a great film about educating kids about bullying. They are considering rating this movie "R" instead of "PG-13". Here is a letter from a high school…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/mpaa-dont-let-the-bullies-win-give-bully-a-pg-13-instead-of-an-r-rating">http://www.change.org/petitions/mpaa-dont-let-the-bullies-win-give-bully-a-pg-13-instead-of-an-r-rating</a></p>
<p></p>
<p> I haven't actually seen the movie as it has not been released, but the previews look like it's going to be a great film about educating kids about bullying. They are considering rating this movie "R" instead of "PG-13". Here is a letter from a high school student about this movie. You can also visit the following website to find out more information about the movie <a href="http://thebullyproject.com/">http://thebullyproject.com/</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Why This Is Important</p>
<p></p>
<p>I’m speaking out for all those students who suffer every day at school.</p>
<p>When I was in 7th grade, a few guys came up behind me while putting my books in my locker. They called me names and asked me why I even bothered to show my face at school because no one liked me. I ignored them because I was scared of what else they might say and who else they might tell if I stood up to them. When I went to shut my locker, they pushed me against the wall. Then they slammed my locker shut on my hand, breaking my fourth finger. I held back tears while I watched them run away laughing. I didn’t know what to do so I stood there, alone and afraid.</p>
<p>I just heard that the Motion Picture Association of America has given an “R” rating to “Bully” -- a new film coming out soon that documents the epidemic of bullying in American schools. Because of the R rating, most kids won’t get to see this film. No one under 17 will be allowed to see the movie, and the film won’t be allowed to be screened in American middle schools or high schools.</p>
<p>I can’t believe the MPAA is blocking millions of teenagers from seeing a movie that could change -- and, in some cases, save -- their lives. According to the film’s website, over 13 million kids will be bullied this year alone. Think of how many of these kids could benefit from seeing this film, especially if it is shown in schools?</p>
<p><strong>If enough people speak out and ask the MPAA to give Bully a PG-13 rating, maybe we can get them to change their minds. Will you sign my petition to the MPAA asking for a PG-13 rating instead of an R?</strong></p>
<p>From what I understand, the MPAA ruled by ONE vote that Bully deserves an R-rating because of “language,” robbing many teenagers of the chance to view a film that could change their lives, and help reduce violence in schools. This makes me really mad. It means that a film documenting the abuse that millions of kids experience through bullying won’t be seen by the audience that needs to see it the most: middle school students and high school students.</p>
<p><strong>Please sign my petition and demand that the MPAA give “Bully” a PG-13 so this important film can be seen by as many kids and adults as possible.</strong></p>
<p>Thanks! <br/> Katy Butler, Michigan high school student</p>
<p></p>We Want to Helptag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2012-01-22:6308663:BlogPost:65042012-01-22T18:34:03.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1422302215?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1422302215?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1422302215?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1422302215?profile=original"/></a></p>From Marlo Thomas: Free to Betag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2012-01-22:6308663:BlogPost:65022012-01-22T18:31:12.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p><iframe width="400" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/31269622?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/31269622">Free To Be....Unbullied</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user4585434">MarloThomas .com</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<p><iframe width="400" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/31269622?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/31269622">Free To Be....Unbullied</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user4585434">MarloThomas .com</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Another Tragic Bullying Deathtag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2011-12-08:6308663:BlogPost:56042011-12-08T19:30:00.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p><a href="http://www.ontopmag.com/images/ArticleImages/jacob_rogers_tn_teen.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://www.ontopmag.com/images/ArticleImages/jacob_rogers_tn_teen.jpg"></img></a> It is heart breaking news, that another young person has committed suicide, after dealing with years of bullying at his school. Click this link for more info and a full report at the <a href="http://www.wsmv.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6526617" target="_blank">huffingtonpost.</a></p>
<p>The family cannot afford a funeral. If interested in donating…</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ontopmag.com/images/ArticleImages/jacob_rogers_tn_teen.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://www.ontopmag.com/images/ArticleImages/jacob_rogers_tn_teen.jpg"/></a>It is heart breaking news, that another young person has committed suicide, after dealing with years of bullying at his school. Click this link for more info and a full report at the <a href="http://www.wsmv.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6526617" target="_blank">huffingtonpost.</a></p>
<p>The family cannot afford a funeral. If interested in donating please go to one of these blogs -- <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/" target="_hplink">Towleroad</a>, Dan Savage's <a href="http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2011/12/08/bullied-teenager-takes-own-life-in-tennessee" target="_hplink">Slog</a> and <a href="http://www.joemygod.blogspot.com/" target="_hplink">Joe.My.God</a> -- they have created <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2011/12/help-pay-for-funeral-for-bullied-gay-tennessee-teen-jacob-rogers.html" target="_hplink">a donation fund</a> to help pay for Jacob's funeral.</p>Amazing Work on the Nature of Good and Evil -- and yes, it relates to Bullying.tag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2011-12-08:6308663:BlogPost:56012011-12-08T01:00:00.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p>Before watching, please note, that this is a powerful presentation. Ultimately, full of hope. However, there are some pretty disturbing and graphic photos in the video illustrating the points of the presentation. Definitely an adult presentation.</p>
<p>We are in the business, of building…</p>
<p>Before watching, please note, that this is a powerful presentation. Ultimately, full of hope. However, there are some pretty disturbing and graphic photos in the video illustrating the points of the presentation. Definitely an adult presentation.</p>
<p>We are in the business, of building heroes.</p>
<p><object width="387" height="276" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never"></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque"></param><param name="bgColor" value="#ffffff"></param><param name="flashvars" value="vu=http://video.ted.com/talk/stream/2008/Blank/PhilZimbardo_2008-320k.mp4&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/PhilZimbardo-2008.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=512&vh=288&ap=0&ti=272&lang=&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=philip_zimbardo_on_the_psychology_of_evil;year=2008;theme=how_we_learn;theme=war_and_peace;theme=how_the_mind_works;theme=to_boldly_go;event=TED2008;tag=Culture;tag=Global+Issues;tag=children;tag=crime;tag=education;tag=evil;tag=heroism;tag=peace;tag=prison;tag=psychology;tag=war;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;"></param><param name="src" value="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf"></param><param name="pluginspace" value="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="false"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param><embed wmode="opaque" width="387" height="276" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talk/stream/2008/Blank/PhilZimbardo_2008-320k.mp4&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/PhilZimbardo-2008.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=512&vh=288&ap=0&ti=272&lang=&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=philip_zimbardo_on_the_psychology_of_evil;year=2008;theme=how_we_learn;theme=war_and_peace;theme=how_the_mind_works;theme=to_boldly_go;event=TED2008;tag=Culture;tag=Global+Issues;tag=children;tag=crime;tag=education;tag=evil;tag=heroism;tag=peace;tag=prison;tag=psychology;tag=war;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;" allowfullscreen="false" allowscriptaccess="never" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"></embed> </object>
</p>
<p></p>I Will Stop Teaching Tolerance When Kids Stop Making These Videostag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2011-12-05:6308663:BlogPost:54012011-12-05T07:21:20.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p><object width="480" height="360" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TdkNn3Ei-Lg?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="false"></param><embed wmode="opaque" width="480" height="360" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TdkNn3Ei-Lg?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="false"></embed> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"></param></object>
</p>
<p><object width="480" height="360" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TdkNn3Ei-Lg?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="false"></param><embed wmode="opaque" width="480" height="360" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TdkNn3Ei-Lg?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="false"></embed> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"></param></object>
</p>Powerful Videotag:bullyingsucks.ning.com,2011-11-22:6308663:BlogPost:49012011-11-22T02:58:48.000ZMeLisa Stronghearthttp://bullyingsucks.ning.com/profile/3jy9jkm84gtvv
<p>Before watching keep in mind that there is very strong language in here. The words are ones I am confident most middle school and high school students are hearing, and maybe even using. </p>
<p>Just a warning though:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/32151543?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" width="400"></iframe>
</p>
<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/32151543">Losers</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/everynone">Everynone…</a></p>
<p>Before watching keep in mind that there is very strong language in here. The words are ones I am confident most middle school and high school students are hearing, and maybe even using. </p>
<p>Just a warning though:</p>
<p><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/32151543?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" frameborder="0" height="225" width="400"></iframe>
</p>
<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/32151543">Losers</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/everynone">Everynone</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<p></p>