To the Editor,
If you’ve ever dealt with someone making threats against you, been the subject of physical or verbal attacks, had rumors said behind your back, or been purposely excluded from a group, you know what it’s like to experience bullying. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and focus on bullying.
Bullying is any unwanted and aggressive behavior that involves a power imbalance, whether real or perceived. It’s repetitive behavior that occurs over an extended period. Technology, with all its benefits, has also made bullying easier to perpetrate and spread. Cyberbullying includes the distribution of mean or inappropriate emails or texts and the use of social media to post rumors or embarrassing photos, videos, messages, and even fake profiles.
If your child has been the victim of bullying and you’ve noticed a change in their mental health as a result, or if your child or someone you love is struggling with depression or thinking about suicide, get help now. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a free resource, available 24 hours a day for anyone who is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text 988 if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis. Visit stopbullying.org, an initiative from the Department of Health and Human Services, for more ways to prevent, respond, or act against bullying.
The Jason Foundation is another available resource. The Jason Foundation is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of youth suicide through educational programs that equip youth, parents, educators, and the community with the tools and resources to identify and assist at-risk youth. Often, a young person will exhibit clear warnings signs before an attempt. By knowing the warning signs and knowing how to help, you could save a life. Visit The Jason Foundation’s website to learn more about youth suicide, the warning signs, and how you can help make a difference. The Jason Foundation has never charged a school, community, or individual for the use of their programs or resources. www.jasonfoundation.com.
The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is dedicated to the prevention of the “Silent Epidemic” of youth and young adult suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators/youth workers and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth.
By Morgan Marks
CDO, Jason Foundation, Inc.
