We know that growing up today isn’t always easy. Sometimes you just need to talk it out. Getting help is Strong and we ALL need help sometimes. Don’t fall for the line that asking for help is “weak.” Instead, stand for something strong!
When we hurt inside, it’s easy to hide our feelings. You might even feel like there’s no one to talk to and no one who cares. THAT’S NOT TRUE! … but YOU need to take the first step by asking the question: “Can someone help me?” Listening to your feelings is the best way to know if you need help. On this page, you’ll find numbers and good connections to people who care and want to listen to you. These are people you can trust. You don’t even need to tell them your name unless you want to.
Phone Numbers to Call
National Youth Crisis Hotline: 800-442-HOPE (4673)
Talk to someone NOW – A safe place to talk about the problems in your life
-National Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-800-442-HOPE (4673) (24 hour/7days)
Suicide – If you or a friend are thinking about hurting themselves
-National HOPELINE: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Drugs and Alcohol – For help with a drug or alcohol problem
-National Drug Abuse Hotline: 1-800-662-4357
-Narcotics Anonymous: 1-800-479-0062
Runaway – If you or a friend are thinking about running away
-National Runaway Switchboard: 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or www.nrscrisisline.org
-National Runaway Hotline: 1-800-621-4000
Rape or Sexual Assault – What to do if you have been assaulted or just to talk
-National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE or www.rainn.org
Relationship Violence – To talk to someone about violence in your relationship
-National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474 OR www.loveisrespect.org
-National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
To report any crimes or suspicious actions:
-Contact your local POLICE DEPARTMENT
-For Emergencies Call 9-1-1
Anti-Drug
www.freevibe.com
gives stories, facts, and what you should know about the risks and signs when using drugs.
Anti-Violence
www.tolerance.org
promotes anti-violence, learn how to stop hate
Girl Power
www.girlshealth.gov
website made just for girls.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!!!
CALL SOMEONE WHO CARES:
National Youth Crisis Hotline: 800-442-HOPE (4673)
The information below was taken from this website and the website also has more information that was removed from this page, but can be viewed by clicking here >>>
The numbers continue to rise every month...
- It is estimated that 160,000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students. Source: National Education Association.
- American schools harbor approximately 2.1 million bullies and 2.7 million of their victims. Dan Olweus, National School Safety Center.
- 1 in 7 Students in Grades K-12 is either a bully or a victim of bullying.
- 56% of students have personally witnessed some type of bullying at school.
- 15% of all school absenteeism is directly related to fears of being bullied at school.
- 71% of students report incidents of bullying as a problem at their school.
- 1 out of 20 students has seen a student with a gun at school.
- 282,000 students are physically attacked in secondary schools each month.
- Those in the lower grades reported being in twice as many fights as those in the higher grades. However, there is a lower rate of serious violent crimes in the elementary level than in the middle or high schools.
- 90% of 4th through 8th graders report being victims of bullying
- Among students, homicide perpetrators were more than twice as likely as homicide victims to have been bullied by peers.
- Bullying statistics say revenge is the strongest motivation for school shootings.
- 87% of students said shootings are motivated by a desire to “get back at those who have hurt them.”
- 86% of students said, “other kids picking on them, making fun of them or bullying them” causes teenagers to turn to lethal violence in the schools.
- 61% of students said students shoot others because they have been victims of physical abuse at home.
- 54% of students said witnessing physical abuse at home can lead to violence in school.
- According to bullying statistics, 1 out of every 10 students who drops out of school does so because of repeated bullying.
- Harassment and bullying have been linked to 75% of school-shooting incidents.
Bullying can take many forms but it usually includes the following types of behavior:
• Physical – hitting, kicking, pinching, punching, scratching, spitting or any other form of physical attack. Damage to or taking someone else’s belongings may also constitute as physical bullying.
• Verbal – name calling, insulting, making racist, sexist or homophobic jokes, remarks or teasing, using sexually suggestive or abusive language, offensive remarks
• Indirect – spreading nasty stories about someone, exclusion from social groups, being made the subject of malicious rumours, sending abusive mail, and email and text messages (cyber bullying).
• Cyber Bullying - any type of bullying that is carried out by electronic medium. There are 7 types including:
1. Text message bullying
2. Picture/video clip bullying via mobile phone cameras
3. Phone call bullying via mobile phones
4. E-mail bullying
5. Chat-room bullying
6. Bullying through instant messaging (IM)
7. Bullying via websites
Suicide remains among the leading causes of death of children under 14. And in most cases, the young people die from hanging. (AAS)
A new review of studies from 13 countries found signs of an apparent connection between bullying, being bullied, and suicide. (Yale School of Medicine)
Suicide rates among children between the ages of 10 & 14 are very low, but are "creeping up." (Ann Haas, Director of the Suicide Prevention Project at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
The suicide rate among young male adults in Massachusetts rose 28 percent in 2007. However, that does not reflect deaths among teenagers and students Carl's age. (Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health, in a report released April 8, 2009)
• Since 2002, at least 15 schoolchildren ages 11 to 14 have committed suicide in Massachusetts. Three of them were Carl's age. ("Constantly Bulled, He Ends His Life at Age 11," by Milton J. Valencia. The Boston Globe, April 20, 2009)
• Suicide rates among 10 to 14-year-olds have grown more than 50 percent over the last three decades. (The American Association of Suicidology, AAS)
• In 2005 (the last year nationwide stats were available), 270 children in the 10-14 age group killed themselves. (AAS)
In a 2007 study, 86% of LGBT students said that they had experienced harassment at school during the previous year. (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network -- GLSEN)
Research indicates that LGB youth may be more likely to think about and attempt suicide than heterosexual teens. (GLSEN)
In a 2005 survey, students said their peers were most often bullied because of their appearance, but the next top reason was because of actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender expression. ("From Teasing to Torment: School Climate of America" -- GLSEN and Harris Interactive)
According to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network 2007 National School Climate Survey of more than 6,000 students...
• Nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT youth reported being verbally harassed at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation
• Nearly half (44.1 percent) reported being physically harassed
• About a quarter (22.1 percent) reported being physically assaulted.
• Nearly two-thirds (60.8 percent) who experienced harassment or assault never reported the incident to the school
• Of those who did report the incident, nearly one-third (31.1 percent) said the school staff did nothing in response
http://www.makebeatsnotbeatdowns.org
Bully Related Suicide
Suicide remains among the leading causes of death of children under 14. And in most cases, the young people die from hanging. (AAS)
A new review of studies from 13 countries found signs of an apparent connection between bullying, being bullied, and suicide. (Yale School of Medicine)
Suicide rates among children between the ages of 10 & 14 are very low, but are "creeping up." (Ann Haas, Director of the Suicide Prevention Project at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
The suicide rate among young male adults in Massachusetts rose 28 percent in 2007. However, that does not reflect deaths among teenagers and students Carl's age. (Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health, in a report released April 8, 2009)
• Since 2002, at least 15 schoolchildren ages 11 to 14 have committed suicide in Massachusetts. Three of them were Carl's age. ("Constantly Bulled, He Ends His Life at Age 11," by Milton J. Valencia. The Boston Globe, April 20, 2009)
• Suicide rates among 10 to 14-year-olds have grown more than 50 percent over the last three decades. (The American Association of Suicidology, AAS)
• In 2005 (the last year nationwide stats were available), 270 children in the 10-14 age group killed themselves. (AAS)
GAY BULLYING
In a 2007 study, 86% of LGBT students said that they had experienced harassment at school during the previous year. (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network -- GLSEN)
Research indicates that LGB youth may be more likely to think about and attempt suicide than heterosexual teens. (GLSEN)
In a 2005 survey, students said their peers were most often bullied because of their appearance, but the next top reason was because of actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender expression. ("From Teasing to Torment: School Climate of America" -- GLSEN and Harris Interactive)
According to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network 2007 National School Climate Survey of more than 6,000 students...
• Nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT youth reported being verbally harassed at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation
• Nearly half (44.1 percent) reported being physically harassed
• About a quarter (22.1 percent) reported being physically assaulted.
• Nearly two-thirds (60.8 percent) who experienced harassment or assault never reported the incident to the school
• Of those who did report the incident, nearly one-third (31.1 percent) said the school staff did nothing in response
We have found the best help resources!
MBNBD is not a 24-hour helpline. We are not trained professionals. We are dedicated to helping you find the best help & resources available to helping bullies & bullied youth.
If this is an emergency, or if you are worried that you or someone you know may be at risk for suicide, please call your local authorities (911), contact a mental health professional, or call and talk to someone at 1-800-SUICIDE.
To report child abuse or exploitation please go to
NCMEC CyberTipline
The Trevor Project operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. Every day, The Trevor Project saves lives through its free and confidential helpline, its website and its educational services.
Website: thetrevorproject.org
Hotline: 1-866-4-U-Trevor
Boys Town National Hotline:
The Boys Town National Hotline is a 24-hour crisis, resource and referral line. Trained counselors can respond to your questions every day of the week, 365 days a year. Among other things, they can help teens and parents with:
• Suicide prevention
• Depression
• School issues
Website: Boystown.org
Hotline: 1-800-448-3000 to speak with a counselor.
Email: Go here to send an email to a counselor: E-mail a Counselor
Hopeline
24-Hour National Suicide Hotline. Since 1998, Hopeline has answered more than 3 million calls. They provide a life-saving service that is private and confidential for people in need.
Calls are connected to the nearest crisis center.
Website: www.hopeline.com
Hotline: 1-800-Suicide
Befrienders Worldwide - To find a helpline in your area of the world go to www.befrienders.org - “We work worldwide to provide emotional support, and reduce suicide. We listen to people who are in distress. We don't judge them or tell them what to do - we listen.”
Website: www.befrienders.org
TeenHelp.org
"The #1 teen advice site on the net"
TeenHelp.org is an anonymous support site where anyone can come for help with a problem. We help users of all ages and from all walks of life, all around the world. Our staff members are volunteers, regular people just like you, and they're here to listen and to give advice. Whether you're seeking help or you like to help others, TeenHelp.org is a friendly and safe environment for everyone to work together.
Website: Teen Help.org
The Ophelia Project serves youth and adults who are affected by relational and other non-physical forms of aggression by providing them with a unique combination of tools, strategies and solutions. To achieve long-term systemic change, we help build capabilities to measurably reduce aggression and promote a positive, productive environment for all. We are dedicated to creating safe social climates.
Website: www.opheliaproject.org
StopBullyingNow.hrsa.gov Take a look around and you’ll find games and cartoon Webisodes that help you Take a Stand. Lend a Hand. Stop Bullying Now! 1.888.ASK.HRSA
Website: www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov
Pacer Kids AGAINST BULLYING
The mission of PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents.
Website: www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org
LoveOurChildrenUSA.org
Our commitment is to break the cycle of violence against children. Empowering the public with knowledge … giving children and youth a voice by speaking for them… advocating for their safety and taking their message to the media and to our communities … a liaison between those with no power and those with power.
Website: LoveourchildrenUSA.Org
American Psychological Association - locator.apa.org - counseling services locator
AAMFT - www.therapistlocator.net - counseling services locator
Befrienders Worldwide - www.befrienders.org - treatment and counseling services locator
SAMHSA - mentalhealth.samhsa.gov - mental health services locator
AACC - www.aacc.net - Christian counseling services locator
Kids In Crisis - www.kidsincrisis.org - Free, Round the clock help for Teens & Parents
ESRnational.org - Training, Workshops, & More To Help Create Your Own Anti-Bully Program
PeacefulSchoolsInternational.org - Resources, Support and Ideas-Create Peace in Your Childrens School Now!
NoBully.com - No Bully helps schools and school districts to develop an anti-bullying policy and implement campus-wide programs to address bullying
CFchildren.org- The program is divided into three phases: Phase 1: Get the Whole School on Board Your school establishes a schoolwide framework of anti-bullying policies.
SafeYouth.org - Offers great articles & resources to Anti-Bullying Efforts and solutions.
www.AnComm.com - More than 300 schools and counting use AnComm's 'Talk About It®' anonymous online and text based reporting service everyday to bridge the communication gap between faculty and students and reduce the likelihood of school violence.
Indiana Youth Institute: Links to the Virginia Beale Ball Library, a great library in Indianapolis with excellent resource information on bullying, violence, and many other issues related to youth.
Website: www.iyi.org
Mothers Against Teen Violence: Includes warning signs for violence and information on starting a local chapter of MATV.
Website: www.matvinc.org
National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center:
Information on youth violence, youth at risk, youth suicide, gangs, and firearm violence. Good source for statistics. www.safeyouth.org
Stop the Hate: Dedicated to helping students, educators, police and the community to stop hate crimes and violence. Also, a good connection to other communities about activities in these areas.
Website: www.stopthehate.org
ERIC-Educational Resource Information Center:
Information for parents and teachers about many educational issues.
Website: www.eric.ed.gov
Take Action Against Bullying: Information about bullying from recent articles.
Website: www.bullybeware.com
Stop Bullying Now: Does not believe that bullying is a part of growing up. View letters from students.
Website: www.stopbullyingnow.com
Bullying Online: Founded in 1999, and formerly called Bullying Online, Bullying UK is the world's leading website providing free help and practical advice on bullying to more than 1.2 million people a year.
Website: www.bullying.co.uk
Kidscape: Gives information about what bullying is, signs of bullying, and what an adult can do to help a child. Gives insight for parents, teachers, and kids.
Website: www.kidscape.org.uk
KidsHelp.com/au -- Kids Help Line has successfully raised awareness of bullying amongst children, parents and school staff.
Here are a few books we recommend if you are interested in learning more about some of these issues:
BULLYCIDE: Death at Playtime
"This is not a book about blame or guilt, although it may certainly spark that kind of discussion. This is not a book about getting even or setting the record straight, although it may do that as well. And, this is not a book for clinicians, although it will offer some scientific data and educational resources.
This is a book of real stories about real kids. Kids who took their own lives because they thought it was their only way out of a hopeless situation. It is about the tragic choices they made in an effort to end the pain - when they believed there was no other solution.
It is told by mothers who are willing to share their own personal pain as they watched their children suffer and struggle. It is about their own efforts to advocate for their children while they continue to deal with their own devastating loss and the aftermath of bullycide."
Judy M. Kuczynski MS (Mother of a bullied child, Tina, who died in a car accident in 1998 - President of Bully Police USA)
You can download all of Chapter 1 for free from Electric eBook Publishing.
EXCERPTS FROM THE BOOK
From Chapter 2:
"Little flowers
I shall remember forever and will never forget.
Monday: my money was taken.
Tuesday: names called.
Wednesday: my uniform torn.
Thursday: my body pouring with blood.
Friday: it's ended.
Saturday: freedom."
The final diary pages of 13-year-old Vijay Singh.
He was found hanging from the banister rail at his home on Sunday.
From Chapter 17: The Happiest Days of your Life
"Never again should anyone be in doubt about how it feels to be the target of bullying.
To wake up each day knowing that you have to go to school, knowing there's no way of avoiding it, knowing that the moment you set out for school the bullies are there, waiting for you to arrive, waiting to call you names, to tease you, torment you, humiliate and mock you, embarrass you in front of friends, push you, punch you, slap you, pinch you, spit on you, kick you, and ... you daren't think about the rest, or the possible consequences.
Don't the bullies behave like perfect darlings whenever a teacher approaches? Aren't they polite and deferential, until the teacher is out of sight, then the kicking, punching, spitting, tormenting starts over, school books are damaged (how am I going to explain that again?), homework defaced (ditto), projects sabotaged, food spoilt, possessions pilfered, personal items desecrated, clothes ripped, school uniform torn, dinner money stolen, pocket money extorted. Just another normal day. Like yesterday. And the day before. Like tomorrow. And the day after that."
From Chapter 18: End of term report
"Each bullycide is an unpalatable fact that a child has died as a result of the deliberate actions of another in an environment where the responsible adults have failed to provide a mechanism for reporting, intervening, and dealing with physical and psychological violence. The excuses of "we didn't know" or "we didn't understand" are no longer valid."
WHO SHOULD BUY THIS BOOK & WHY?
Teachers - Learn how to raise awareness about the serious issue of bullying
School Administrators - As a leader, you create the culture for a safe environment
Parents - Learn what to watch for and how to stop your child from being bullied
Grandparents - Parenting never ends ~ You too can make a difference
Students - You're the reason for this book!
Media - You have the ability to influence the public perception on bullying
Mental Health Professionals - See the connections between bullying and suicide
Physicians - You can diagnose depression in your clients and find the triggers
Program Directors for Children's Issues - Learn valuable resources for helping victims
Lawmakers - Learn the importance of protecting this country's youngest citizens
Everyone - The lessons and warnings in this book may save a precious life