Did you know that the city of Nashville is trying to implement a new policy about bullying in public parks? YES! This southern city wants the staff of Metro Parks and Recreation to report any acts considered bullying or harassment whether by co-workers or visitors to these public places. This could potentially be another stepping stool to a better environment for all of us. The more ways bullies can get caught, the less they will try.
This policy in Nashville's parks, community centers and Metro golf courses matches the school systems after-school, camp and other youth programs' policies already put in place. This idea has been talked about amongst the individuals involved with the Metro Department of Law for a number of years. Only recently, has a lawsuit come up against a transgender woman, Pamela DeSoto, who has been harassed by members of her fellow police officers. According to the Director of Metro Parks, Tommy Lynch, this policy isn't a result of this lawsuit. Regardless, this policy sounds like a step in the right direction not only for Nashville but for all of us. Maybe other towns and cities will follow their leading.
According to a new WalletHub study, Nashville currently ranks 6th worst for bullying. Arkansaw being the worst. Massachusetts being the best. Connecticut is somewhere in between, but that's no cause for celebration. We all have work to do and I hope as the months and years go by, we as a state and a country get better at controlling these bullies that have wreaked havoc on people's lives.
--Ruth Jackson
Showing posts with label bullying prevention. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bullying prevention. Show all posts
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
There's an App for that!
Believe it or not someone came up with an app that let's kids report bullying anonymously. YES! Now we can finally say there's an app for everything! Here is the article all about it.
The purpose behind this app, Stop!t is a great one and I can only hope schools across the country will see this as a valuable tool that will help kids growing in a more stable and healthy school environment. Telling someone is half the battle of getting these bullies to stop. The way the internet is progressing and technology booming, if we don't take measures to put an end to this, we will have more kids living in turmoil.
I love the fact that the founder, Todd Schobel, is already thinking about expanding upon his original idea and offering the same concept to the military and workplaces. This is definitely an app everyone should have! Can't wait to see this in action. I seriously hope that administrators and schools will take this app seriously and provide the funds so that they can experience kids' having a great time at school instead of dreading it.
Back in highschool, I still remember not wanting to go to school because I knew the people I had to face. There was always going to be a new name to call me or make fun of me for. I couldn't escape it. If I had the Stop!t App, I might have been able to record what these kids were doing. If cyberbullying were apart of my world growing up, I honestly have no idea how I'd stand it. At least when I went home, I was safe. Nowadays, no one is safe because we have social media everywhere. This app will definitely change things.
--Ruth Jackson
The purpose behind this app, Stop!t is a great one and I can only hope schools across the country will see this as a valuable tool that will help kids growing in a more stable and healthy school environment. Telling someone is half the battle of getting these bullies to stop. The way the internet is progressing and technology booming, if we don't take measures to put an end to this, we will have more kids living in turmoil.
I love the fact that the founder, Todd Schobel, is already thinking about expanding upon his original idea and offering the same concept to the military and workplaces. This is definitely an app everyone should have! Can't wait to see this in action. I seriously hope that administrators and schools will take this app seriously and provide the funds so that they can experience kids' having a great time at school instead of dreading it.
Back in highschool, I still remember not wanting to go to school because I knew the people I had to face. There was always going to be a new name to call me or make fun of me for. I couldn't escape it. If I had the Stop!t App, I might have been able to record what these kids were doing. If cyberbullying were apart of my world growing up, I honestly have no idea how I'd stand it. At least when I went home, I was safe. Nowadays, no one is safe because we have social media everywhere. This app will definitely change things.
--Ruth Jackson
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
A Belated Valentine's
In light of Valentine's Day, I thought I would write a post specifically about love. This day isn't just about a boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife it's about showing love to those you care about as well as those who are around you. I can show love towards my co-workers, my family, my friends AND my boyfriend.
Bullies don't show love, instead they show contempt, hatred, jealousy and/or rage. They don't care about someone else's feelings. All they want is to make themselves look and feel good. If they have to break some bones or step on people to get there, that's what they will do. We should be the complete opposite. As part of being "nobul" we want to help others be comfortable being themselves, lift them up and include them. It doesn't matter what background they have or what language they speak; each person is unique. If the whole world was like me, life would be boring. Think about it.
Here's a challenge for you all. Take a look around your neighborhood or place of work. Is there anyone you don't know that well? Anyone that you've deemed "strange" because you simply don't understand them? Why not get to know them. Start with sharing some cookies you've made and ask them personally "Do you like them?" Or maybe just complimenting them on a shirt or tie. Sometimes the simplest gesture can mean the world to someone.
Be Nobul
--Ruth Jackson
Safe Schools Improvement Act
Today as I was figuring out what the next blog post should be about, I came across this article. This is relatively new and I hadn't yet heard about it in the news. I feel like I should be all for this new bill, but I am having concerns. Maybe you all can think for yourselves for a minute, would this improve things or make things worse? What would you change to make schools a better place?
In a nutshell, this Safe Schools Improvement Act basically forces educational leaders (who receive money from the government like public schools) to come up with a plan to help stop current and future bullying problems. On the one hand I agree with Senator Mark Kirk who talked about every child needing a safe place to learn. The other side of this issue is the fact that this will be "forced" upon these people who are already overworked and underpaid. Granted, integration was forced on the people of Little Rock, AK and look where we are now. Sometimes ideas need to be forced, but it's going to be a long hard road.
In my opinion, the idea is spot in that we desperately need a law in place that protects kids from being beaten up because of race, sex etc. To go even further, if/when this bill is passed, together we need to continue helping others see the negative consequences of bullying. So many schools have the tendency to ignore the problems their students face in fear of negative publicity or maybe just plain shame. It's time to take action and to let the principals and teachers of these schools know that they can and SHOULD do something to help.
I like how Ellen Khan describes the intent of this Act, "puts more teeth in taking action." This world definitely needs it. I can't wait to read more in the upcoming months on how this bill progress and if there will be additions or modifications to make this change easier.
What do you think about it all? Would you have suggestions for Congress? This very well be the much needed next step to encouraging our youth in the right direction.
--Ruth Jackson
In a nutshell, this Safe Schools Improvement Act basically forces educational leaders (who receive money from the government like public schools) to come up with a plan to help stop current and future bullying problems. On the one hand I agree with Senator Mark Kirk who talked about every child needing a safe place to learn. The other side of this issue is the fact that this will be "forced" upon these people who are already overworked and underpaid. Granted, integration was forced on the people of Little Rock, AK and look where we are now. Sometimes ideas need to be forced, but it's going to be a long hard road.
In my opinion, the idea is spot in that we desperately need a law in place that protects kids from being beaten up because of race, sex etc. To go even further, if/when this bill is passed, together we need to continue helping others see the negative consequences of bullying. So many schools have the tendency to ignore the problems their students face in fear of negative publicity or maybe just plain shame. It's time to take action and to let the principals and teachers of these schools know that they can and SHOULD do something to help.
I like how Ellen Khan describes the intent of this Act, "puts more teeth in taking action." This world definitely needs it. I can't wait to read more in the upcoming months on how this bill progress and if there will be additions or modifications to make this change easier.
What do you think about it all? Would you have suggestions for Congress? This very well be the much needed next step to encouraging our youth in the right direction.
--Ruth Jackson
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
"The Elephant in the Room"
Hi Everyone!
For some of us the semester is coming to a close and others it's just frenzy all the way around. The last week or so following Black Friday, life has jumped into hyper-drive, every waking moment is filled with something to accomplish and every sleeping moment is spent figuring out the next step. Anyways, let's get away from all that and focus on something that I feel isn't talked about enough. It seems that in our culture people aren't aware of pressing issues until someone dies, a phenomenon happens or news stories are splashed in front of our eyes for more than a 24hr period. None of these occurrences should have to happen in order for our nation, government or school system to wake up to what is really going on. Cyberbullying is a huge issue in our culture today and we need to start taking action to teach our youth the importance of creating safe, respectful online presences for themselves. Unfortunately, cyberbullying is so prominent it causes children to hurt themselves in many ways.
For some of us the semester is coming to a close and others it's just frenzy all the way around. The last week or so following Black Friday, life has jumped into hyper-drive, every waking moment is filled with something to accomplish and every sleeping moment is spent figuring out the next step. Anyways, let's get away from all that and focus on something that I feel isn't talked about enough. It seems that in our culture people aren't aware of pressing issues until someone dies, a phenomenon happens or news stories are splashed in front of our eyes for more than a 24hr period. None of these occurrences should have to happen in order for our nation, government or school system to wake up to what is really going on. Cyberbullying is a huge issue in our culture today and we need to start taking action to teach our youth the importance of creating safe, respectful online presences for themselves. Unfortunately, cyberbullying is so prominent it causes children to hurt themselves in many ways.
An article I found in the Huffington Post, Cyberbullying: The Elephant in the Room, talks about Cyberbullying and the rampant movement of people, kids especially, being tormented and eventually leading to a non-reversible act. Many bullies prefer to harass online because it's virtually, no pun intended, anonymous. Today, we have the power to post things without sharing our names. So when someone does throw someone else down hard, it's difficult to figure out who is talking. Personally, I'm glad I didn't get a Facebook page until college. High school was bad enough without social media.
In a nutshell, as parents, supervisors, guardians, teachers, older siblings etc. we all need to become better role models for those still growing up. We need to be "cyber-shields." We NEED to be more aware of what is happening on the internet. Lets inspire our youth to be loving instead of hateful.
To help protect yourself online you can:
- Keep your information private online and keep private information offline altogether
- Report users with abusive comments to website personnel, generally there is a "report user" button on websites that allow comments
- Tell someone you trust if you are being cyber bullied, a teacher, parent, friend or adult who can help
- If you see someone else being cyber bullied tell someone
To help protect yourself online you can:
- Keep your information private online and keep private information offline altogether
- Report users with abusive comments to website personnel, generally there is a "report user" button on websites that allow comments
- Tell someone you trust if you are being cyber bullied, a teacher, parent, friend or adult who can help
- If you see someone else being cyber bullied tell someone
--Ruth Jackson
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Happy Thanksgiving
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I happened upon this website about a Thanksgiving Prayer written by a young child.
I would venture to say that many people who have been bullied understand what this child is trying to say and hopefully we can follow her lead. It's hard not to want to fight "fire with fire," but we should try to find a positive way to deal with it. My way? I used to bury myself into a fiction novel like Nancy Drew. It wasn't until I was older, in high school, when I decided to be the best Ruth Jackson I could be and not let their taunts get to me. Granted, that was not an easy thing to do but I couldn't stand going home and crying my heart out anymore.
Another website I found here gives a similar message conveying giving thanks for what we have yet keeping in mind those who are without a loved one. The state of Connecticut in particular has seen many cases where bullying goes to court and very often the behavior doesn't change. I'm sure other states have this issue as well including those who commit suicide. Bullying is not a laughing matter. It's a serious one that needs attention and I wholeheartedly agree with the writer, Mathew Jones, when he says, "We believe in reaching kids while they are young. Once they grow up change becomes much harder."
Together, we can make a difference. HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Gobble Gobble!
--Ruth Jackson
I would venture to say that many people who have been bullied understand what this child is trying to say and hopefully we can follow her lead. It's hard not to want to fight "fire with fire," but we should try to find a positive way to deal with it. My way? I used to bury myself into a fiction novel like Nancy Drew. It wasn't until I was older, in high school, when I decided to be the best Ruth Jackson I could be and not let their taunts get to me. Granted, that was not an easy thing to do but I couldn't stand going home and crying my heart out anymore.
Another website I found here gives a similar message conveying giving thanks for what we have yet keeping in mind those who are without a loved one. The state of Connecticut in particular has seen many cases where bullying goes to court and very often the behavior doesn't change. I'm sure other states have this issue as well including those who commit suicide. Bullying is not a laughing matter. It's a serious one that needs attention and I wholeheartedly agree with the writer, Mathew Jones, when he says, "We believe in reaching kids while they are young. Once they grow up change becomes much harder."
Together, we can make a difference. HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Gobble Gobble!
--Ruth Jackson
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
One Voice
Hello everyone! Today, I came across such a moving music video that I just had to share it with you. Here is the link. On the web page, the singer Nakita Turner, also shows a drawing that sends a powerful message.
One thing that I liked about this video as a whole is that there are people singing this from all walks of life and every nationality. Just listening to it, you honestly can't put a label on it. It's not a black song, it's not a white country song, instead it's just a song about putting an end to bullying. A simple and uplifting message of positivity.
Further down on the page, next to the lyrics there are questions I would like you all to think about. Do people's voices matter? Is is only some people or all people? Who gives you a voice that has a right to be heard? Not the bully...it's you! You have every right to be heard.
Here is a picture shown at the bottom of the website:
Do you think the words written in the picture would hurt a person or make them laugh? What are some positive words you can say to someone to make them smile? My drawing? It would be filled with the words/phrases "I love you" "You can do better" "HUGS!" "Smile" "There is a reason you're here" "Every minute is precious" "You got this!" "Don't give up" "I'm glad you're my friend" "Chocolate!" and I can come up with so many more. What can you come up with?
To learn more about Nakita, here is a news article about her and how she came up with this song, "One Voice."
Your voice matters so shout it loud and clear! Make a difference!
--Ruth Jackson
One thing that I liked about this video as a whole is that there are people singing this from all walks of life and every nationality. Just listening to it, you honestly can't put a label on it. It's not a black song, it's not a white country song, instead it's just a song about putting an end to bullying. A simple and uplifting message of positivity.
Further down on the page, next to the lyrics there are questions I would like you all to think about. Do people's voices matter? Is is only some people or all people? Who gives you a voice that has a right to be heard? Not the bully...it's you! You have every right to be heard.
Here is a picture shown at the bottom of the website:
Do you think the words written in the picture would hurt a person or make them laugh? What are some positive words you can say to someone to make them smile? My drawing? It would be filled with the words/phrases "I love you" "You can do better" "HUGS!" "Smile" "There is a reason you're here" "Every minute is precious" "You got this!" "Don't give up" "I'm glad you're my friend" "Chocolate!" and I can come up with so many more. What can you come up with?
To learn more about Nakita, here is a news article about her and how she came up with this song, "One Voice."
Your voice matters so shout it loud and clear! Make a difference!
--Ruth Jackson
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Difference Shouldn't Equal Scary
Today I want to introduce a commercial recently done by General Electric. When I first watched it, I was floored by the realness of it and how close the video hit home for me. I will admit also that the first few seconds after seeing the creature made me sick to my stomach. These feelings were caused by fear. I was truly afraid of what I was about to see, that I didn't want to even watch. Since this commercial came on my computer while I was watching a TV show, my mouse hovered over another tab so that I could hide it until it was over. I'm so glad that I didn't because the message G&E is portraying is a powerful one that many need to understand and appreciate.
There are a lot of things I could mention about this video, but I will limit myself to sharing two reactions. The first being that this "monster" is treated cruelly. Why? Because he's ugly, he's different, he's scary. Just because someone or something is weird or makes you uncomfortable doesn't justify you to have the right to treat it/the person horribly. How would you feel if that man threw a cup at you or if that woman yelled at you to "GET OUT!"?
Another point worth mentioning is that bullies tend to be the ones to lash out at those who are different. They huddle in groups and whisper. They feel pity. Why not lend a helping hand instead? Why not be a friend? I asked myself while watching this, "When we see someone who's different, why do so many treat them with contempt before getting to know them?" I love the fact that General Electric has made this commercial because it makes us think, really think about those new ideas and how we treat them.
It's true that "Ideas can be scary" but that shouldn't mean we should stay away. Instead, we should be like that G&E employee and help that "idea" grow into something more beautiful than we could ever imagine. Think about those inventors that got laughed at and now look around you. We have the light bulb, traffic lights, airplanes, solar energy all because those inventors didn't give up. If they all succumbed to taunts I'm sure they received, we wouldn't have the world we live in today.
If I ever get the chance to meet the person who came up with the initial idea for this commercial, I will applaud them! Well Done!
--Ruth Jackson
There are a lot of things I could mention about this video, but I will limit myself to sharing two reactions. The first being that this "monster" is treated cruelly. Why? Because he's ugly, he's different, he's scary. Just because someone or something is weird or makes you uncomfortable doesn't justify you to have the right to treat it/the person horribly. How would you feel if that man threw a cup at you or if that woman yelled at you to "GET OUT!"?
Another point worth mentioning is that bullies tend to be the ones to lash out at those who are different. They huddle in groups and whisper. They feel pity. Why not lend a helping hand instead? Why not be a friend? I asked myself while watching this, "When we see someone who's different, why do so many treat them with contempt before getting to know them?" I love the fact that General Electric has made this commercial because it makes us think, really think about those new ideas and how we treat them.
It's true that "Ideas can be scary" but that shouldn't mean we should stay away. Instead, we should be like that G&E employee and help that "idea" grow into something more beautiful than we could ever imagine. Think about those inventors that got laughed at and now look around you. We have the light bulb, traffic lights, airplanes, solar energy all because those inventors didn't give up. If they all succumbed to taunts I'm sure they received, we wouldn't have the world we live in today.
If I ever get the chance to meet the person who came up with the initial idea for this commercial, I will applaud them! Well Done!
--Ruth Jackson
It Can Start with You (part 2)
In continuation of my last post, I wanted to talk more about what you can do about bullying. I found this article, Creating a Cyber-Shield Through Parenting and Awareness, on Huffington Post which is directed at parents in particular, but it's a good read for all of us.
Huffington Post has a number of articles surrounding the topic of bullying and this one discusses cyberbullying. Since the beginning of social media, there have been cyberbullies. Whether it be Facebook, Twitter, of even here on Blogger. Bullies still say hurtful things in person, but it's become more prevalent to throw even more lashes online. What can you do about it?
The article linked here talks about parents being a "cyber-shield' for their children. Personally, I believe this is a great way to monitor what your children are saying and receiving. There is however, a right and wrong way to do this. As children are growing older, they should be allowed to make decisions on their own, but at the same time be mindful. I love the fact that this piece gives examples and advice to parents in order for them to be a cyber-shield and cyber-role model for their kids.
Growing up, I'm glad I wasn't on Facebook. I was more of a reader and enjoyed playing soccer in my downtime. Even so, keeping young kids away from social media might not be such a bad road to take. The younger they are, the more susceptible they are. While they are in high school, even though bullies can be more vicious here, giving them access to social media, but being a cyber-shield can be beneficial. This gives the tweens and teens ability to talk to one another and share ideas, pictures, videos and even articles. There are some things that texting just isn't capable of doing.
Granted, I don't have kids of my own right now, but I hope when I get to that point I will be able to be an effective cyber-shield for my children. All it takes is for the parent/guardian to understand the implications of bullying and be willing to take the time to teach their child how to behave in person as well as online. It can start with YOU! What will you do in the fight against bullying?
--Ruth Jackson
Huffington Post has a number of articles surrounding the topic of bullying and this one discusses cyberbullying. Since the beginning of social media, there have been cyberbullies. Whether it be Facebook, Twitter, of even here on Blogger. Bullies still say hurtful things in person, but it's become more prevalent to throw even more lashes online. What can you do about it?
The article linked here talks about parents being a "cyber-shield' for their children. Personally, I believe this is a great way to monitor what your children are saying and receiving. There is however, a right and wrong way to do this. As children are growing older, they should be allowed to make decisions on their own, but at the same time be mindful. I love the fact that this piece gives examples and advice to parents in order for them to be a cyber-shield and cyber-role model for their kids.
Growing up, I'm glad I wasn't on Facebook. I was more of a reader and enjoyed playing soccer in my downtime. Even so, keeping young kids away from social media might not be such a bad road to take. The younger they are, the more susceptible they are. While they are in high school, even though bullies can be more vicious here, giving them access to social media, but being a cyber-shield can be beneficial. This gives the tweens and teens ability to talk to one another and share ideas, pictures, videos and even articles. There are some things that texting just isn't capable of doing.
Granted, I don't have kids of my own right now, but I hope when I get to that point I will be able to be an effective cyber-shield for my children. All it takes is for the parent/guardian to understand the implications of bullying and be willing to take the time to teach their child how to behave in person as well as online. It can start with YOU! What will you do in the fight against bullying?
--Ruth Jackson
It Can Start with YOU
Hello everyone! For those of you in school, it's almost halfway until the end of first semester!
Today, I wanted to talk more about what you can do to stop bullies in their tracks. I found National Education Association (NEA) a couple days ago that talks specifically about what educators and teachers can do about bullying. Many schools are advocating for a bully-free school zone, but until teachers and administrators take action, that thought is just a thought.
Looking back at my growing up years in school, I wish the adults in my life took a stand against the bullies that kept attacking me. Some thought I would learn to overcome adversity through all this, but even though I can sense that what I went through made me stronger and stand up for myself, having someone around who cared and wanted to help would have made such a difference. This is why whenever I see someone else being bullied, I make my presence known. NEA's president Lily Eskelsen Garcia explains, "I hope to never hear an educator or parent or a Sunday School teacher say to a frightened bullied child, 'Just ignore it.' School that are seeing a decrease in bullying are no ignoring it. They are acting."
I'll admit, I'm a no nonsense kind of girl and I take bullying seriously because I know what it's like. Whether or not you know what it's like to be bullied, take a stand and let that kid know he/she is not alone. Help them build confidence. Even if no one else is standing by their side, it can start with you.
Ignoring the issue is not the solution. Facing it head on and being a verbal/active advocate makes the difference. You don't have to be the hero in the moment, even if you just acknowledge what happened afterwards you will be doing the right thing. You can send a simple text message, or just let the person know that you saw what happened and you don't think it is okay.
Check out the website I linked above. Make a difference and let it start with YOU!
--Ruth Jackson
Today, I wanted to talk more about what you can do to stop bullies in their tracks. I found National Education Association (NEA) a couple days ago that talks specifically about what educators and teachers can do about bullying. Many schools are advocating for a bully-free school zone, but until teachers and administrators take action, that thought is just a thought.
Looking back at my growing up years in school, I wish the adults in my life took a stand against the bullies that kept attacking me. Some thought I would learn to overcome adversity through all this, but even though I can sense that what I went through made me stronger and stand up for myself, having someone around who cared and wanted to help would have made such a difference. This is why whenever I see someone else being bullied, I make my presence known. NEA's president Lily Eskelsen Garcia explains, "I hope to never hear an educator or parent or a Sunday School teacher say to a frightened bullied child, 'Just ignore it.' School that are seeing a decrease in bullying are no ignoring it. They are acting."
I'll admit, I'm a no nonsense kind of girl and I take bullying seriously because I know what it's like. Whether or not you know what it's like to be bullied, take a stand and let that kid know he/she is not alone. Help them build confidence. Even if no one else is standing by their side, it can start with you.
Ignoring the issue is not the solution. Facing it head on and being a verbal/active advocate makes the difference. You don't have to be the hero in the moment, even if you just acknowledge what happened afterwards you will be doing the right thing. You can send a simple text message, or just let the person know that you saw what happened and you don't think it is okay.
Check out the website I linked above. Make a difference and let it start with YOU!
--Ruth Jackson
Monday, September 22, 2014
Choices
Hello everyone! Gorgeous morning and I just saw some yellow leaves!! Super stoked for Fall, I even reorganized my closet and sadly put my shorts away. Looking back it was a busy working summer, but I did manage to have some fun in between. Never did get to the beach though....NEXT TIME!
Today, I wanted to talk about a site I came across a couple weeks ago here. When perusing the website, I felt honored to read people's stories about bullying; both sad and courageous ones. Even though middle school was a long time ago, I still remember the words thrown at me and the looks on their faces. There are so many stories on here and love the fact that there is such a place for kids to share and feel welcomed versus the atmosphere school gives.
Personally, I believe one of the biggest hurdles when being bullied is not feeling alone. This site helps kids not only see that other people are going through the same thing, but hopefully gives them courage to stand up. If it weren't for my friends growing up, I honestly have no idea where I'd be.
I choose respect, love, kindness, generosity, inclusion and peace! What do you choose?
--Ruth Jackson
Today, I wanted to talk about a site I came across a couple weeks ago here. When perusing the website, I felt honored to read people's stories about bullying; both sad and courageous ones. Even though middle school was a long time ago, I still remember the words thrown at me and the looks on their faces. There are so many stories on here and love the fact that there is such a place for kids to share and feel welcomed versus the atmosphere school gives.
Personally, I believe one of the biggest hurdles when being bullied is not feeling alone. This site helps kids not only see that other people are going through the same thing, but hopefully gives them courage to stand up. If it weren't for my friends growing up, I honestly have no idea where I'd be.
I choose respect, love, kindness, generosity, inclusion and peace! What do you choose?
--Ruth Jackson
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Anti-Bullying Weekend - September 12 - 14
The weather has made it's choice, it's "officially" Fall! I'm actually not happy about this. I was wearing my flip flops yesterday and my feet were FREEEZZINNG!! Oh, well. We all knew it was coming.
Anyways, I'm not sure how many of you know this, but this past weekend was designated as "Anti-Bullying Weekend" by Springfield Massachusetts's Mayor Domenic Sarno. This event is in memory of an 11-year-old boy who committed suicide in 2009 due to bullying. Along with the Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover Foundation, they see the importance of spreading the word about the impact of bullying. Awareness is the key to helping put an end to this disrespect of each other.
Over the past four years, the foundation has raised money to distribute scholarships to high school seniors across the country that have demonstrated efforts to combat bullying in their schools and communities. Leaders and Mayors in various states have gotten together to help each other build a safer community.
Mark this on your calendars for next year, but also keep in mind what bullying does. Everything has a consequence. What's the consequence of bullying? Carl's story is just one of many.
If you are a high school senior who would like to apply for the scholarship you can do so HERE! Remember BE A BUDDY NOT A BULLY.
More about the event and foundation.
--Ruth Jackson
Anyways, I'm not sure how many of you know this, but this past weekend was designated as "Anti-Bullying Weekend" by Springfield Massachusetts's Mayor Domenic Sarno. This event is in memory of an 11-year-old boy who committed suicide in 2009 due to bullying. Along with the Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover Foundation, they see the importance of spreading the word about the impact of bullying. Awareness is the key to helping put an end to this disrespect of each other.
Over the past four years, the foundation has raised money to distribute scholarships to high school seniors across the country that have demonstrated efforts to combat bullying in their schools and communities. Leaders and Mayors in various states have gotten together to help each other build a safer community.
Mark this on your calendars for next year, but also keep in mind what bullying does. Everything has a consequence. What's the consequence of bullying? Carl's story is just one of many.
If you are a high school senior who would like to apply for the scholarship you can do so HERE! Remember BE A BUDDY NOT A BULLY.
More about the event and foundation.
--Ruth Jackson
Friday, September 12, 2014
Understanding the Bully
Beautiful day outside yet, the weather can't seem to make up its mind between Summer and Fall. I actually feel that same way. On one hand, I don't want Summer to end, but....I do love Fall and its pretty colors and I love breaking out my sweatpants and cute sweaters. Each season has its benefits and beauty.
Today, I'd like to talk about the media/entertainment and its role in discussing bullying. Many movies have scenes where bullying takes place like the one I talked about earlier, "Bridge to Terabithia." According to the U.S. Department of Natural Health and Human Services, between 1 and 4 and 1 and 3 students say they have been bullied at school. There have been numerous studies done that show bullying effecting youth as they grow into adulthood.
One of the reasons why I wanted to join Nobul is because I feel very strongly about bullying not only since I've often been the target, but because I can still feel the effects. I love being able to speak out about bullying and have a chance to change people's thinking. Writing about it is one way to spread awareness as are speeches, advertisements, movies etc. When you feel strongly about something, I suggest you take action in whatever medium you feel comfortable using. Writing is my passion so I use it to talk about topics that mean something to me.
Many journalists, producers and the like have spoken against bullying which is definitely a good thing, though we must be careful not to become hateful. We want to spread inclusion not hate, especially not hate against the "bully" himself. In many instances a person who is bullying another person is struggling in other areas of his or her life and it is important to show compassion to such individuals. We don't want to criminalize the bully, instead we want to teach the bully and the bullied how to self-regulate behavior and provide them with tools to manage difficult and stressful situations.
Goldie Hawn's foundation, MindUP, is a 12 step program that teaches children mindfulness to help improve perspective taking, empathy and kindness as well as foster complex problem solving skills. This program embodies Nobul's mission and goals in creating a safe environment for all children.
No one should have to endure bullying. I believe the first step to snapback against bullying is to become aware of how great the problem is and to learn how we can help manage such situations. To see bullying statistics posted by the U.S. Government, here is the link.
--Ruth Jackson
Today, I'd like to talk about the media/entertainment and its role in discussing bullying. Many movies have scenes where bullying takes place like the one I talked about earlier, "Bridge to Terabithia." According to the U.S. Department of Natural Health and Human Services, between 1 and 4 and 1 and 3 students say they have been bullied at school. There have been numerous studies done that show bullying effecting youth as they grow into adulthood.
One of the reasons why I wanted to join Nobul is because I feel very strongly about bullying not only since I've often been the target, but because I can still feel the effects. I love being able to speak out about bullying and have a chance to change people's thinking. Writing about it is one way to spread awareness as are speeches, advertisements, movies etc. When you feel strongly about something, I suggest you take action in whatever medium you feel comfortable using. Writing is my passion so I use it to talk about topics that mean something to me.
Many journalists, producers and the like have spoken against bullying which is definitely a good thing, though we must be careful not to become hateful. We want to spread inclusion not hate, especially not hate against the "bully" himself. In many instances a person who is bullying another person is struggling in other areas of his or her life and it is important to show compassion to such individuals. We don't want to criminalize the bully, instead we want to teach the bully and the bullied how to self-regulate behavior and provide them with tools to manage difficult and stressful situations.
Goldie Hawn's foundation, MindUP, is a 12 step program that teaches children mindfulness to help improve perspective taking, empathy and kindness as well as foster complex problem solving skills. This program embodies Nobul's mission and goals in creating a safe environment for all children.
No one should have to endure bullying. I believe the first step to snapback against bullying is to become aware of how great the problem is and to learn how we can help manage such situations. To see bullying statistics posted by the U.S. Government, here is the link.
--Ruth Jackson
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