Thursday, November 11, 2010

Three Bully Suicides In One Week: It Has To STOP

November 4 -11th:


16-year-old Cassidy Joy Andel Cooperstown, N.D. posted a good-bye note on her Facebook Page and hung herself, 14 year-old Samantha Kelly of New Boston, Michigan hung herself and 14-year-old Brandon Bitner of Middleburg, Pennsylvania committed suicide by running into the path of a tractor trailer – all of them tormented by bullying!

This is more than a wake-up call. This is a national crisis and if we don’t do something to educate kids, parents and schools and get everyone working together, I am afraid of what we will see in the next 5-10 years. Our future is disappearing before us because kids and teens are bullying others.

Parents – talk to your kids – everyday. Enough with the “Not My Kid” attitude! Take responsibility and teach your children morals and ethics. I’d rather know my kid was a bully and I could get him /her help to stop it, than hide my head in the sand and live in denial.

And — recognize the signs of bullying and cyberbullying so you can help your child if they are victims. Don’t wait for them to come to you!

Schools – Wake Up! I’m tired of hearing from teachers who say they don’t want to be policemen. It may not be what you signed up for but it’s a different world today! We are living in the wild west frontier with the Internet and kids are getting bolder and more aggressive. So yes teachers and principals, it’s your responsibility to educate our youth about bullying and cyberbullying even if you have to police them!

It really does take a village and for those who think our youth are not in crisis mode – think again!

The bullying and cyberbullying MUST stop!

Parents MUST do better parenting!

Anti-bullying and cyberbullying Education MUST be a priority!

Bullycides MUST STOP!

If you’re being bullied, we know how awful the pain is, but taking your life is NOT the answer!

If you know someone who is being bullied, be an UPSTANDER and help them!

If you’re a bully, ASK FOR HELP. What you’re doing is bad enough, but the reality is you could be responsible for someone taking their life? Can you really live with that? Think about it!

Call STOMP Out Bullying at 888-347-KIDS (5437) for help, call someone, call anyone. There is so much help out there for victims and we’re all here to help the victims get help and to save their lives and we’re here to get help for the bullies so this insanity STOPS once and for all.

Bullying can kill – Kindness goes a long way and feels really good!

Develop a plan for help with the person. If you cannot develop a plan and a suicide attempt is imminent call “911.”

There is help!

Talk to a trusted adult!

Or contact any of these organizations who can and will help you!

National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) Deaf Hotline: 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

Yellow Ribbon 303-429-3530

Boystown Hotline 1-800-448-3000

Covenant House Nineline 1-800-999-9999

The Trevor Helpline 866-488-7386

If you or someone you know is on the verge of suicide PLEASE call 911 immediately so you can get help!

Life may not feel so great right now, but there is hope!

STAY ALIVE!

SAVE SOMEONE’S LIFE!
Ross Ellis
Founder and CEO
Love Our Children USA (http://www.loveourchildrenusa.org/ )and STOMP Out Bullying (http://www.stompoutbullying.org/)

“Battling Bullies” WABC TV Special With Guest Ross Ellis, Love Our Children USA

Ross Ellis, founder and chief executive officer of Love Our Children USA and STOMP Out Bullying was a special guest on the show and chatted with viewers on line offering help and hope. Watch the Video!WABC TV ”Battling Bullies” with guest Ross Ellis