"Die-In" Aims To Raise Awareness About Bullying
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"Die-In" Aims To Raise Awareness About Bullying
How To Prevent Bullying From Killing More Students
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nowCOLUMBUS, Ohio --
Whether a young person is bullied for being different, shy or gay, the results are often the same, according to anti-bullying activists. They say the victim is often left feeling upset and insecure, which sometimes leads to the person committing suicide.
Dozens of people plan to attend a "Die-In" at the corner of 11th Avenue and High Street at 6 p.m. to mourn people who have died due to transphobia and/or homophobia. Organizers called it a flash mob that was set to take place simultaneously with a similar event happening at Grand Central Station in New York City. They say an event in Utah Thursday night drew 4,000 people.
A whistle blows and participants simulate dropping dead on the spot of each event.
Thomas Morgan is one of the organizers.
"LGBT teens are far more likely to be victims of bullying and it's embarrassing. When I was bullied in high school, I never said a word to anyone. I was embarrassed by it," Morgan said.
Morgan said his experience "was horrible, it was frightening. I loved school but it got to the point where thinking about going to school the next day caused my stomach to knot."
Experts say avoiding school is one of the signs parents can look for when it comes to bullying. Victims may also feel anxious.
The challenge for educators is trying to raise awareness that it's okay to speak up.
"I believe it's a huge problem," said Christine King. "I think the biggest issue is people who know it and they just think it's kids being kids, that it's part of growing up."
King said she knew guidance counselors were available when she was in high school, but that most bullying victims did not talk to them.
The Grandview Heights City School District is one of many Central Ohio districts with anti-bullying policies.
"Certainly, (students) can seek counseling and I think we are a small enough school here that the students know they can come and talk to us anytime about this and it is all confidential," said Jill McNaughton, guidance counselor at Grandview Heights High School.
McNaughton said counselors refer bullying incidents to the principal, who investigates and contacts parents, if necessary. She said there are protections for students.
The National Education Associates estimates more than 160,000 students miss school every day due to bullying.
The Columbus City Schools web site states, "Bullying or harassment is when a person is picked on over and over again by an individual or group. Bullying and harassing behavior consists of three basic types of abuse – emotional, verbal and physical."
The webs ite has a list of resources available for students and parents regarding bullying, cyberbullying and dating violence.
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Have a great day,
Tommy