Bullying Prevention and Awareness - BLUE SHIRT DAY

As school opened many will not forget last year's headlines about Broward County students Michael Brewer and Josie Ratley.

Michael Brewer, 15 year-old that was nearly burned to death last October 2009, has spent almost a year in recovery.  The long road back has been a struggle however with the support and prayers from the community and the country, Michael and his family are survivors.

This week Michael Brewer started a new school in a new area.  He is continuing his progress and looking forward to a good school year.  Part of his determination is being a voice for the many victims of bullying.  Creating an awareness and being the survivor he is.

Bullying is a growing and expanding problem among kids today.  As school opens throughout the country in these next few weeks, take the time to learn more about bullying prevention and bullying awareness.
You can take part in being a voice to STOMP Out Bullying.  Get your schools involved in Blue Shirt Day!

Join Love Our Children USA on Monday, October 4th! Make a statement against bullying and cyberbullying and STOMP Out Bullying! 

Make October 4th the day that bullying and cyberbullying prevention is heard around the world by wearing a BLUE SHIRT in solidarity to STOMP Out Bullying!

To signify the importance of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week from October 3rd - 9th, Love Our Children USA created NATIONAL BLUE SHIRT DAY. Specifically the first Monday of every October -- this year on Monday, October 4th, they are asking kids, teens and adults to participate in NATIONAL BLUE SHIRT DAY by wearing a blue shirt to STOMP Out Bullying.

Whether you order  a Blue Shirt from Love Our Children USA or wear your own blue shirt, you'll be sending a message to everyone to end bullying and cyberbullying. 

Read more.

Sue Scheff: Teaching Your Kids to say "No Thank You"

As school gets ready open and students will be biking and walking to school parents need to have the discussion with their kids about talking with strangers.

Many kids know already never take rides, candy, gifts, or money from strangers, and let's remind them, it's okay to say "NO THANK YOU."

Love Our Children USA helps educate parents, teachers and kids about staying safe both online and off.  Some great advice from Love our Children USA:
Always report to a police officer, a parent, a teacher or any adult you know if a stranger:

• Wants to play with you.
• Asks you to go with him/her.
• Tries to have a conversation with you, or touch you while you are at the movies, playground, or walking anywhere.
• Offers you a ride, candy, gum, present, or money.
• Always try to get a full description of the stranger.
• If you see a suspicious car, take down the license number with a pencil and paper; write it in the dirt or on the sidewalk with a stick or stone.

Public awareness and advocacy is essential to helping prevent violence against children. You have the opportunity to share information with colleagues, your community and the public at large.

St. John's County Sheriff's Office offers a Community Service Unit for Youths.  Take the time to visit this site and learn more about our local resources.

Love Our Children USA also encourages all communities to take part in Blue Shirt Day!  This is bring about public awareness to bullying, child neglect and harm done to children.  Order today and get your school and community ready for this event in October.

Be an educated parent, you will have safer children.


Watch video about Blue Shirt, be ready for it in 2010.  Read more.

Sue Scheff: Cyber tragedy - Teen Suicide

Another teen tragedy that involves sexting, bullying and the horrific end to a young beautiful life.

According to the St. Petersburg Times, 13 year old Hope Witsell was a typical teen however suffering from inner turmoil that lead to the end of her life. Hope was taunted by ugly and harassing insults which resulted from a nude photo of herself that was spread via text also known as 'sexting'. Although meant for her boyfriend only, this photo soon went viral and school officials suspended her. She was convinced that tons of people secretly hated her according to her journal.

The St. Petersburg Times also noted: A 2009 Harris online poll shows that one in five teens admits to having sent naked pictures of themselves or others over a cell phone. But even that number may be low.

This is another horrific story that we can learn from. The question is, why is it taking these tragedies to wake us up? Here are some tips to help you help your child/teen with online and cell phone safety. Please know that Love Our Children USA and STOMP Out Bullying is also available for more critical information to keep your children safe.

Parenting 101: Keeping Kids Safe Online
Learn about Internet Predators - in loving memory of Kristin Helms
Teens Taking the Pledge to Fight Bullying and Cyberbullying
Internet Safety and Guidance Counselors
Internet Things Your Children Should NEVER Know

Parents, TALK to your kids! There has never been a more urgent time to open up those lines of communications with your kids and teens.

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Sue Scheff: Love Our Children USA Helps Protect Teens on Cyber Monday

Ross Ellis, founder of Love Our Children USA and STOMP Out Bullying is a dedicated and devoted crusader to help protect children in our country.

Recently she wrote a fantastic and timely article to help protect you and your teens during this holiday season. Cyber Monday is a very busy time online. Here are some great tips by Ross Ellis – and as a Parent Advocate, I believe everyone needs to take the time to learn more about keeping you and your family safe in cyberspace!

Dated: November 25, 2009

Holiday safety for you and your teens on Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday is 6 days away, for those online shoppers who want a great deal on their holiday gifts.

61% of consumers are shopping online and that includes teens shopping online as well.

Here’s what you can do to ensure online safety:

• Talk to your teens about online safety and how to avoid these online Cyber Monday scams
• Be sure you know what sites your teens are shopping on
• Make sure the web site is legitimate before inputting your credit card info
• Make sure the site provides full contact info. It should list the company’s street address, phone number and e-mail address. You can find this in the “Contact Us” or “About Us” pages. Check out their return policy or privacy policy, for a mailing address.

• Check out the privacy policy. Look for a link at the bottom of the home page that says “Privacy Policy” or for a link on the “About Us” or FAQ pages. Read the policy to find out whether the company shares customer info with third parties and whether you can opt out. Look for a trust e-seal, which means the privacy policy is solid.

• See what BBB.org says. Look for the BBB Online Reliability Program seal on a site’s home page. (Clicking on the seal should take you directly to BBB.org). Or go to www.bbb.org/us/Find-Business- Reviews and search by the company name or URL. Look for a rating of “satisfactory” or a grade of at least C-. Some smaller sites aren’t listed, and plenty of excellent sites aren’t yet accredited.

• If the site looks sketchy, contact www.ripoffreport.com and http://www.complaintsboard.com/.
If you have a bad experience you can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org/us. You can also report your bad experience to the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, at http://www.onguardonline.gov/or if you are the victim of an internet crime contact Internet Crime Complaint Center, backed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, at http://www.ic3.gov/

According to Consumer Reports, cybercriminals have bilked $8 billion from consumers in the past two years. As shoppers open their wallets and their Internet browsers for Cyber Monday deals there’s an increase in scams. Especially the 12 scams of Christmas.

Don’t click links in e-mails, which can easily redirect you to false or misleading websites. If you create a new account to buy something use a unique password with letters and symbols, rather than using the same password for all of your log-ins.

Be sure your security software is updated!

Discuss Cyber Monday safety rules with your teen and have fun shopping safely!

Want to know more? Visit http://www.loveourchildrenusa.org/

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Sue Scheff: Bullying Victims

Tomorrow (October 5th) is Blue Shirt Day to join together and STOMP OUT BULLYING. Today, October 4th – 10th is National Prevention Awareness of Bullying week. Take the time to get involved.

Source: Connect with Kids

Bullying Victims

“They just think that that’s a part of high school, like that’s just the process they go through.”
– Becky, 17 years old

A child is taunted in the hallway, a child is pushed in the bathroom, and another child is punched on the bus. The latest numbers on bullying show that one in four students is bullied, one in five admits to being a bully, over a quarter of a million kids are physically attacked each month, and eight percent of students have missed school because they were afraid.

“People don’t usually take a stand about that because they’re too scared,” says Brittany, 15.
“And I can remember the names of every single kid who used to kick me, jump me, take my lunch, push me around,” says Nam, 19.

Experts say bully victims often become depressed and isolated and that those feelings can last into adulthood.

“That they go to work and they can’t stand up and speak for themselves. They go to do something in their religious community, and they don’t feel empowered to give back – something that they want to do, that will make them part of the community. They just don’t have it. It got shut down in school through the systematic abuse,” explains Dr. David Fenstermaker, a psychologist and expert on school violence.

Bullying has been around since the days of the one-room schoolhouse, but kids say parents still don’t understand.

“A large percentage of the students at our school get bullied every day. The ones that don’t are the bullies themselves,” says Brittany, 15.

Experts say it’s vital that you learn about your child’s school day … every day. And sometimes, specifically ask about bullying. “You can be sensitive, have empathy with them so they realize they are not alone. That’s one of the most devastating feelings is that you feel, ‘I’m all alone in this. Nobody understands, nobody cares,’” says Dr. Allen Carter, a psychologist.
Carter says parents should take their children’s fears seriously. They must talk to teachers, the principal, the bully’s parents … do whatever it takes to stop the pain.
“Ten years later, and I still got it embedded in my mind,” Nam says.

Tips for Parents

Parental involvement is the key to reducing and preventing bullying and the problems it brings. The NCPC offers the following tips to help prevent bullying incidents in your child’s school and community:

Listen to your child. Encourage him or her to talk about school, social events, classmates and the walk or ride to and from school so you can identify any problems he or she may be experiencing.
Take your child’s complaints of bullying seriously. Probing a seemingly minor complaint may uncover more severe grievances.

Watch for symptoms that your child may be a bullying victim. These symptoms include withdrawal, a drop in grades, torn clothes or the need for extra money or supplies.

Tell the school or organization immediately if you think that your child is being bullied. Alerted caregivers can carefully monitor your child’s actions and take steps to ensure his or her safety.
Work with other parents in your neighborhood. This strategy can ensure that children are supervised closely on their way to and from school.

Teach your child nonviolent ways to resolve arguments.

Teach your child self-protection skills. These skills include how to walk confidently, staying alert to what’s going on around him or her and standing up for himself or herself verbally.

Help your child learn the social skills needed to make friends. A confident, resourceful child who has friends is less likely to be bullied or to bully others.

Praise your child’s kindness toward others. Let him or her know that kindness is valued.

Don’t bully your child yourself, physically or verbally. Use nonphysical, consistently enforced discipline measures as opposed to ridiculing, yelling or ignoring your child when he or she misbehaves.

Although anyone can be the target of a bully, victims are often singled out based on psychological traits more than physical traits. The National Resource Center for Safe Schools says that passive loners are the most frequent victims, especially if they cry easily or lack social self-defense skills.

Many victims are unable to deflect a conflict with humor and don’t think quickly on their feet. They are usually anxious, insecure and cautious and suffer from low self-esteem. In addition, they rarely defend themselves or retaliate and tend to lack friends, making them easy to isolate. Therefore, it is vital that you instill confidence in your child and empower him or her to become a healthy, socially adjusted adult.

References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Crime Prevention Council
National Institute of Child Health & Human Development
National Resource Center for Safe Schools
Also visit http://www.loveourchildrenusa.org/ for more information.

Sue Scheff: Help STOMP OUT BULLYING - Blue Shirt Day 2009

Celebrities STOMP Out Bullying With Love Our Children USA

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg proclaims October 5th BLUE SHIRT DAY

NEW YORK September 28 2009: Love Our Children USA announced that NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proclaiming October 5th BLUE SHIRT DAY to signify the importance of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week, October 4th – 10th.

Love Our Children USA created National Blue Shirt Day on Monday, October 5th, where thousands of kids and adults will wear blue shirts as they make their way to school or to the office as a grassroots national movement to STOMP Out Bullying.

The organization launched the STOMP Out Bullying Campaign in October, 2008 and its new dedicated Web Site this past Monday. STOMP Out Bullying focuses its efforts to reduce Bullying and Cyberbullying, decrease school absenteeism and truancy, educate against homophobia and racism and deter violence in schools, playgrounds and communities across the country. To date over 53,000 have committed to STOMP Out Bullying on the site.

It’s not just our politicians who support STOMP Out Bullying an initiative of Love Our Children USA, but celebrities are out in full force to help.

Teen Celebrities Demi Lovato, JoJo and the latest children’s sensation The Oogieloves participate in the public service campaign which includes TV spots, videos, posters, brochures and wristbands. Additional celebrities such as Brittany Snow, Naturally 7 and others are slated to join the ongoing campaign created by the Geppetto Group.

In order to raise funds for bullying and cyberbullying prevention, education and peer mentoring in schools, Love Our Children USA is holding its Second Annual Celebrity STOMP Out Bullying Auction on CharityFolks from October 5th –16th.

This year’s celebrity contributors include: Elton John, Billy Joel, Bette Midler, Ellen Degeneres, Phil Collins, Demi Lovato, Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, Bryan Adams, Metallica, Guster, Dancing With The Stars, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, Bye Bye Birdie, Rock Of Ages, the NJ Nets and more.

“Kids who are intimidated, threatened, or harmed by bullies often experience low self-esteem and depression, whereas those doing the bullying may go on to engage in more serious antisocial behaviors. Some kids are so traumatized by being bullied, that they contemplate suicide. Bullies often have been the victims of bullying or other mistreatment themselves” said Ross Ellis, Love Our Children USA Founder and Chief Executive Officer. This campaign’s key purpose is to educate those kids who are being bullied and those who are bullying, that there are choices for them to get help.

Bullying can be so painful and clearly has played a role in school shootings across the country. While boys are more physical, girls use weapons, exclusion, slander, rumors and gossip.

And cyberbullying is on the rise. This social online cruelty is used in the forms of e-mail, cell phone; pager text messages, instant messaging, defamatory personal Web sites, and defamatory online personal polling Web sites, deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior, and is used by an individual or group -- intended to harm others – especially amongst our youth. While most kids use the Internet for friendly interactions, more and more kids are using these communication tools to antagonize, terrorize and intimidate others.

Add that to the hazing going on in high schools and the kids who bring guns to school and our kids are in even more danger of emotional and physical harm.

Bullying Statistics

• 1 out of 4 kids is Bullied.

• 1 out of 5 kids admits to being a bully, or doing some "Bullying."

• 282,000 students are physically attacked in secondary schools each month.

• More youth violence occurs on school grounds as opposed to on the way to school.

• 1/3 of students surveyed said they heard another student threaten to kill someone.

• As many as 160,000 students may stay home on any given day because they're afraid of their bullies due to the pain of bullying.

Cyberbullying Statistics

• 42% of kids have been bullied while online. 1 in 4 have had it happen more than once.

• 35% of kids have been threatened online. Nearly 1 in 5 have had it happen more than once.

• 21% of kids have received mean or threatening e-mail or other messages. • 58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online.

Hazing Statistics

• 1.5 million high school students are hazed each year

• 91% of all H.S. students belong to at least one group, and half of them, 48% report being subjected to hazing activities.

• 43% were subjected to humiliating activities and 30% performed potentially illegal acts as part of their initiation

All of this has everyone worried. Not just the kids on its receiving end, but the parents, teachers and others who may not understand how extreme bullying can get. Love Our Children USA is working aggressively to prevent these issues and to help the kids and teens affected by it.
Ellis said “STOMP Out Bullying brings awareness and educates kids, parents and schools about the issue. It offers hope for every kid who experiences the harmful effects of bullying and teaches parents to keep open communication with their children and to look for signs. It also educates school administrators across the country, who have swept this issue under the rug for too long.”

She also added, “Bullying is a form of child abuse and bullies are very likely to grow up as adults who abuse children. By educating our children, we can stop the bullying BEFORE it ever starts. We are grateful to the entertainment industry and with their help we can keep kids safe across the country.”More information about bullying and how to help your children and students can be found at http://www.loveourchildrenusa.org/ and http://www.stompoutbullying.org/

About Love Our Children USA

Love Our Children USA is the national nonprofit leader that honors, respects and protects children. Its mission is to break the cycle of violence against children. Love Our Children USA has become ‘the go-to’ prevention organization for all forms of violence and neglect against children in the U.S. Working to eliminate behaviors that keep children from reaching their potential, it redefines parenting and creates kid success by promoting prevention strategies and positive changes in parenting and family attitudes and behaviors through public education. Empowering and supporting children, teens, parents and families through information, resources, advocacy, and online youth mentoring. Its message is positive ...one of prevention, empowerment and hope. Since 1999, Love Our Children USA has paved the way in the prevention of violence and neglect against children … keeping children safe and strengthening families.

###

Contact: Media Relations

Love Our Children USA

1.888.347.KIDS (5437) / 212.629.2099

media@loveourchildrenusa.org

Sue Scheff: School Starts and so does bullying

LOVE OUR CHILDREN USA’s Campaign to STOMP Out Bullying

NEW YORK, August 24, 2009 Love Our Children USA announced today that bullying and teasing is at the top of kids’ issues at schools, and with school set to open in soon, parents, teachers and school administrators must take caution and sensitivity in handling these issues.
Childhood should be a time filled with wonder and joy, but the reality for many kids and teens is often much different. They're the victims of bullying and cyber-bullying at school or on neighborhood playgrounds.

October 4 – 10th is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week. To observe the week, Love Our Children USA will speak at various schools about bullying, cyberbullying and preventing it. To signify the importance of the week, Love Our Children USA created National Blue Shirt Day. Specifically on Monday, October 5th, the organization is asking kids, teens and adults to participate in national BLUE SHIRT DAY by wearing a blue shirt to STOMP Out Bullying.
They chose blue because in many diverse cultures blue brings peace. The color conveys importance and confidence.

On Monday, October 5th, Americans across the country will wear blue shirts as they make their way to school or to the office as a grassroots national campaign to STOMP Out Bullying.
Participation is expected from major cities and proclamations from leading politicians and civic leaders. This day will be supported with a national media campaign. Last October, the organization created STOMP Out Bullying. To date over 48,000 people have committed to STOMP Out Bullying.

Kids who are intimidated, threatened, or harmed by bullies often experience low self-esteem and depression, whereas those doing the bullying may go on to engage in more serious antisocial behaviors. Some kids are so traumatized by being bullied, that they contemplate suicide. Bullies often have been the victims of bullying or other mistreatment themselves.

Ross Ellis, Love Our Children USA Founder and Chief Executive Officer remembers only too well what it is like to be bullied. Today it’s a regular occurrence in schools starting as early as kindergarten. It’s not a right of passage as some may think. It’s a crisis. And many kids have committed suicide because the taunting was so torturous.

Bullying can be so painful and clearly has played a role in recent school shootings across the country. While boys are more physical, girls use weapons, exclusion, slander, rumors and gossip. And beware of cyberbullying which is on the rise. This social online cruelty is used in the forms of e-mail, cell phone; pager text messages, instant messaging, defamatory personal Web sites, and defamatory online personal polling Web sites, deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior, and is used by an individual or group -- intended to harm others – especially amongst our youth. While most kids use the Internet for friendly interactions, more and more kids are using these communication tools to antagonize, terrorize and intimidate others.

Ellis said “parents must keep open communication with their children. Look for signs. And school administrators can no longer sweep the issue under the rug. Students should be educated about the harmful effects of bullying. Many schools are sweeping the issue under the rug. Every school should declare No Bullying Policy and enforce it.”

Ross Ellis suggests that schools set up a web site where kids can anonymously report the person who is bullying them. That way victims can feel safe in making the report and the school can deal with the bully.

Recent Statistics Show:

• 1 out of 4 kids is Bullied.

• 1 out of 5 kids admits to being a bully, or doing some "Bullying."

• 8% of students miss 1 day of class per month for fear of Bullies.

• 43% fear harassment in the bathroom at school.

• 100,000 students carry a gun to school.

• 28% of youths who carry weapons have witnessed violence at home.

• A poll of teens ages 12-17 proved that they think violence increased at their schools.

• 282,000 students are physically attacked in secondary schools each month.

• More youth violence occurs on school grounds as opposed to on the way to school.

• 80% of the time, an argument with a bully will end up in a physical fight.

• 1/3 of students surveyed said they heard another student threaten to kill someone.

• 1 out of 5 teens knows someone who brings a gun to school.

• 2 out of 3 say they know how to make a bomb, or know where to get the information to do it.

• Almost half of all students say they know another student who's capable of murder.

• Playground statistics - Every 7 minutes a child is bullied. Adult intervention -4% Peer intervention - 11%. No intervention - 85%.

Ellis said “helping your children cope with either being a bully or being a victim often requires outside assistance, such as from your child's school or the community. School is the most likely place for bullying to occur, so discuss your concerns with your child's teachers and counselor and ask what they can do to help. School personnel can be influential in helping a child modify his behavior. Take advantage of any psychological counseling services that may be offered at your child's school or in your community.”

Bullying is a form of child abuse and bullies are very likely to grow up as an adult who abuses children.More information about bullying and how to help your children and students can be found athttp://www.stompoutbullying.org/

About Love Our Children USA

Since 1999, Love Our Children USA has paved the way as the national nonprofit leader that honors, respects and protects children. Its mission is to break the cycle of violence against children. Love Our Children USA has become ‘the go-to’ prevention organization for all forms of violence and neglect against children in the U.S. It works to eliminate behaviors that keep children from reaching their potential. It redefines parenting and creates kid success by promoting prevention strategies and positive changes in parenting and family attitudes and behaviors through public education. It works to empower and support children, teens, parents and families through information, resources, advocacy, and online youth mentoring. Its goal is to keep children safe and strengthen families -- Its message is positive ... one of prevention and hope.

###
Contact: Media Relations

Love Our Children USA

1.888.347.KIDS (5437) / 212.629.2099