May 5th: Official Day of Remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

I first became aware of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement after reading KA Cobell’s debut novel Looking for Smoke. Then the news broke of the discovery of the remains of missing 14 year old Emily Pike, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, from her group home and the questions started. Also more and more reels and videos about the movement filled my social media. As I listened to the stories, my heart dropped, broken and feeling powerless. Sisters, mothers, wives, daughters have gone missing without clear answers and many families are still waiting. To say “I can’t imagine the anguish” feels too weak. I would be going out of my mind if one of my daughters went missing without a trace and to feel that no one cared would be beyond devastating. I felt angry and powerless, unsure of what I could do to bring awareness. I did what I know best, did some research and decided to write on this topic. 

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement has its roots in Canada, forming in 2015 (Native Hope). With the hashtag NOMORESTOLENSISTERS, a movement was born and growing as more and more individuals said enough is enough. And enough is enough! There are two important dates for this movement. February 14th is the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women National Day of Action and Awareness. It is a day for a call to action to raise awareness about the disproportionate violence faced by Indigenous women and two-spirit people, and to demand justice for those who have been lost. May 5 is the official day for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. This day serves as a time for remembrance, advocacy, and raising awareness. This day is also known as Red Dress Day. Many participants will hang a red dress in public view in support and for public awareness. The red hand symbol in the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women logo is highly important. The red hand symbolizes the connection between the physical world and the spiritual world (Native Hope). Indigenous People believe the dead can see red. By wearing red, they believe they can invoke the help of their ancestors and spiritual guides.  

The statistics alone make my blood run cold. According to the National Crime Information Center, there are 5,712 reports of missing Indigenous women and girls (Native Hope). The murder rate is ten times higher than the national average for women living on reservations and murder is the third leading cause of death for Native women. 56.1% of Indigenous woman will experience sexual violence in their lifetime with 55.5% will be physically abused by their inimate partners (Native Women Wilderness). While women and girls are the primary victims, sadly, they are not alone. 82% of Indigenous men, boys, infants and elderly will be victims of violence in their lifetime. Native children are more likely to experience trauma and abuse than their Non-Native peers (Native Hope). Despite these statistics, there still is widespread silence and lack of media exposure. 

Why is there widespread silence on this issue? First, and most infuriating, is the ongoing stereotypes of Native American that perpetuate injustice. Stereotypes that Natives, especially on the reservations, are lazy, drunkards and addicts. These stereotypes hinder the search process as it is seen as the victims’ fault or a non-issue. Vanessa Brousseau, a digital creator and artist with Resilient Inuk Creations, reported her sister, Pam, missing in 2003, was told by the local police that her sister most likely ran off to become a prostitute (Tungasuvingat Inuit, 2021). What was their reasoning? They found intimate photos on Pam’s computer. So intimate photos equals becoming a prostitute! Ms. Brousseau was understandably upset and angered by this statement. I was, too, as I listened to her tell this story. Second, coordination problems between agencies. This is further complicated by reporting policies and jurisdictional communication complications. Despite the increasing interjurisdictional communication, coordination about missing person cases of Indigenous individuals is lacking. Third, the lack of media coverage perpetuates the silence on Indigenous issues. If it wasn’t for the growing social media digital creator, I wouldn’t know about this issue either and wouldn’t be writing this post today. 

Since its inception, the movement has gained political attention. In 2019, the White House officially designated May 5th as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls. Also in 2019, Executive Order 13898, Operation Lady Justice, created a task force for murdered and missing Native peoples. The task force was set to address the concerns of the Indigenous communities in the US as well as establish cold case teams, improve investigative responses and data collection (Native Women Wilderness). Savanna’s Act became law in 2019 which requires the Department of Justice to review, revise and develop policies and protocols to address murdered and missing Indigenous persons cases (Department of Justice). The Not Invisible Act was signed into law in 2020, a federal bill, which forms a committee of law enforcement, tribal authorities, federal partners and more to study and discuss solutions to the murdered and missing Indigenous people cases and to establish better systems of coordination between agencies (Department of Justice). In May 2022, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland (D-New Mexico) announced “the full membership of the Commission, composed of federal and non-federal members with a diverse range of experiences, expertise, and perspectives” (Department of Justice). 

In conclusion, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women is not just a Native American issue. It is an issue that we all should be heartbroken for and help bring awareness. There are countless families who are waiting and wondering where their loved ones are. There are mothers wondering, worryingly, where their daughters are and sadly, some pass away, never learning of their loved ones fate. We can help by learning the stories, supporting the artists and activists who are working tirelessly to bring these women’s stories to light. And if even one woman is found and brought back home to their families, that is a victory worth celebrating. I pray that every missing Indigenous woman is brought home. I pray that every murdered Indigenous woman finds peace and justice. And I pray that every Indigenous person lives a life without violence and abuse. It seems like such a small thing but I hope that this post helps bring more people to this movement and shines a light on these horrible events. 

Sources

Native Hope. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). https://www.nativehope.org/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-mmiw/. Retrieved April 28, 2025.

Native Women Wilderness. MURDERED & MISSING  INDIGENOUS WOMEN. https://www.nativewomenswilderness.org/mmiw. Retrieved April 28. 2025

Resilient Inuk Creations. https://resilientinukcreations.ca/. Retrieved April 29, 2025.

Tungasuvingat Inuit (2021). Vanessa’s Story.  https://youtu.be/E8zeNp-sO70?si=AY2PmSS-eZNB4K37. Retrieved April 29, 2025. 

U.S. Department of Justice. Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons. https://www.justice.gov/tribal/mmip. April 28, 2025. 

The Boy Between: the darkness of depression and the hope to find the light again

The Boy Between: A Mother and Son’s Journey from a World Gone Grey  by Josiah Hartley and his mother, bestselling novelist, Amanda Prowse. When Josiah, “Josh”, was nineteen, heading to university, the world seemingly opened at his feet, something changed. Without warning, his mental health deteriorated and he planned to take his own life. His mother found herself grasping for ways to help him with no clear idea if anything would work. Against all odds, they found a way out of the dark tunnel and they decided to write the book they wished was available to them at their darkest moments. While he suffered his darkest moments, his family suffered as well, dreading the day they might get the one call no parent wants to get. Their message is clear. For anyone with depression or a family desperate to help, you are not alone and there is hope. 

I have been a fan of Ms. Prowse for a few years and her stories are family dramas with no clear resolution. She finds herself in the middle of a family situation as devastating as the ones she writes about. Switching between Josh and Amanda, the reader gets a picture of both sides. Josh’s voice is raw and at times, extremely bleak. He often speaks with humor but always with honesty as he accounts his life with depression. Amanda’s voice is the heartbreaking, gut wrenching account of her own pain at watching her beloved son descend into darkness and her helplessness to stop it. The Boy Between is a beautiful, honest account of this family’s battle with depression. There were multiple sections in which I cried. My heart broke as theirs did. It is a must read for both parents and their children to understand the depths of depression and the hope that there is a way out. I highly recommend The Boy Between.

The Boy Between: A Mother and Son’s Journey from a World Gone Grey

 is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

 

 

The Importance of Fathers

As today is Father’s Day, I want to talk about the importance of fathers. The image of a father is the superhero. The man who provides both physical and emotional security. The man who fixes things and scares the monsters away. There are many instances when men don’t think their presence is needed. And there are women who think they don’t need a man to raise a child. When it comes to a child’s physical and emotional well-being, a mom and a dad are needed. Anyone can be a father but a real father takes effort and commitment. Fathers are just as important as mothers for a child’s emotional well-being and will impact their future selves. Most parenting studies have focused on mothers, but slowly, studies have looked at the role a father plays in the lives of their children. It is not just a fatherly presence. Studies have shown that it is the father’s engagement that plays a greater role. Because a physically present father is not enough. He must be engaged and active in his children’s lives. 

Researchers have studied The Father Effect, the benefits of a paternal presence. A consistent correlation has been seen between a father's engaged presence and a lack of aggression in kids across socioeconomic status (Krisch, 2021). With an engaged father, kids are less likely to drop out of school, less likely to engage in criminal behavior, less likely to have sex at a young age, and tend to avoid high risk behaviors with fewer psychological problems throughout their lives (Krisch, 2021). Studies have shown when a father is affectionate and supportive, a child grows up with a greater cognitive and social development. Their overall sense of well-being and self-confidence is greatly affected by their father’s engagement in their lives. The importance of a father’s presence is quality over quantity. It is not the amount of time spent but how the time is spent. An hour a day playing a child’s favorite video games is better than hours mindlessly watching tv together. Father involvement even during pregnancy has shown to have an effect on the father and child relationship for a lifetime. When a father is engaged in preparation, labor coaching, etc that engagement will remain going forward (Krisch, 2021). A father who commits to a care of a baby will often further that commitment as the child grows. 

Fathers are different parents than mothers in many ways. First, fathers parent and discipline differently (Stanton, 2004). The style from each parent helps create a healthy and proper balance between rules and relationships. Fathers usually stress justice, fairness and duty in the form of rules while mothers tend to stress sympathy, care and help in the form of relationship. By enforcing the rules, fathers prepare their children for the reality and harshness of the world. Children learn consequences for their actions. Second, fathers play differently. Most fathers will engage in more exciting styles of play like roughhousing with their kids while mothers will engage in more gentle styles like peek-a-boo or hide and seek. By rough housing, children learn what behaviors are unacceptable such as biting and kicking, as well as self-control when they are told “enough is enough” and to settle down (Stanton, 2004). Third, fathers build confidence to try new things. Fathers are usually ones to encourage kids to push the limits while mothers are usually the ones to urge caution. Fathers are usually the ones who teach children how to ride bikes and mothers are the ones who fix the boo-boos when they fall down.  

Another important aspect that fathers teach their children is the relational patterns. Fathers help set the bar for relationships with others. The relational patterns a father sets with his children will influence how they will relate to others whether it is friends, co-workers, and romantic partners. When children see their father engage in a strong and loving relationship with their mother, they will search for those qualities and treatment in their own relationships. A famous quote says “A father is a daughter’s first love. A man who will set the standard by which she will judge all men.” This statement has been proven true time and time again. If a father forges a good, strong relationship with his daughter, she will in turn look for those qualities in her future romantic relationships. He will teach her how to love and be loved. All positive and negative attributes will influence a daughter. She will look for the positive attributes and avoid the negatives ones in relationships. In contrast, a son will learn what it is to be a man. He will learn how to be a provider, a leader and a father. He will learn how to function in the workplace and the world in general through the example of his father. 

In conclusion, fathers are more than just sperm donors. They are very important to their children’s physical and emotional well-being. The Father Effect demonstrates the importance of a father’s engaged presence in their children’s lives. From enforcing rules and teaching consequences to teaching positive relational patterns, a father is an important figure. A father’s absence is a wound that very few can fill. A mother cannot replace a father, no matter how much she wants to or how hard she tries. In her book, Dear fathers of the fatherless children (2019), Charlena E. Jackson writes “Fathers of the fatherless children, open your eyes and know your presence is very critical. Be your son’s hero and let him know he can conquer the world. Be your daughter's first knight in shining armor. Be a part of your son’s and daughter’s success instead of their pain.” To those who are the positive, engaged father in their children’s lives, Happy Father’s Day. Thank you for taking your role as a father seriously. You are your children’s hero in more ways than you can possibly know. 

 

References

Jackson, Charlena E. (November 27, 2019). Dear fathers of the fatherless children. Divergent S.P.E.E.D. ISBN-13: 978-1734070415. 

Kirsch, Joshua A (May 11, 2021). The Science of Dad and the ‘Father Effect.’ Fatherly. https://www.fatherly.com/health-science/science-benefits-of-fatherhood-dads-father-effect/. Retrieved June 18, 2021. 

Stanton, Glenn T. (January 1, 2004). The Involved Father. Focus on the Family. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/the-involved-father/. Retrieved June 18, 2021. 

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

 September is National Suicide Prevention Month. According to the CDC, 45,000 Americans will commit suicide every year. That’s 123 people a every day. One every 12 minutes. The impact of a suicide is felt by family and friends long after the loss their loved one. Often the questions of “why” and “why did I miss” will plague those felt behind with no real solutions. There is a stigma around mental illness. While mental health is important to our overall health, many will ignore it because they are afraid of the stigma and the comments. Two thirds of suicides suffer from depression. In the US, suicide is one of the top 10 leading causes of death for all ages (SAVE). What are the warning signs? What are the risk factors? What can you do to help someone who is having suicidal thoughts?

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicidal thoughts can affect everyone regardless of age, gender, or background. Suicide is often the result of untreated mental health conditions. Although suicidal thoughts are considered common, they should never be treated as normal. Only half of Americans who experience a major depressive episode will seek treatment, of those who do, 80-90% are successfully treated with therapy and/or medication (SAVE). Some of the warning signs include: 1) an increase use of alcohol or drugs, 2) aggressive behavior, 3) withdrawal from family and friends, 4) dramatic mood swings and 5) impulsive or reckless behavior. Someone who is considering suicide may collect weapons such as guns and knives or saving pills. One red flag I have always heard is to pay attention when someone is giving away possessions especially items with deep and personal meaning like family heirlooms. Also, behaviors such as tying up loose ends (i.e. organizing papers, paying of debts) and saying goodbye to family and friends should raise a red flag (NAMI).

There are several risk factors involved in suicide. First, a family history of suicide as well as substance abuse. 1 in 3 people who commit suicide are intoxicated at the time. This could be for many reasons, for example, to take away the edge and avoid any hesitation. Second, serious or chronic medical illness or even prolonged stress. A woman named Jo lost her husband to suicide who suffered from PTSD. He had carried a tremendous guilt and couldn’t cope, couldn’t process that guilt (Catlin, 2019). Third, while suicide affects everyone regardless of gender, women will attempt more suicides than men. However, men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide (NAMI). Fourth, a history of trauma or abuse. Without proper care or professional help, individuals who suffer traumas or abuse can see no way out. Lastly, a recent tragedy or loss. Suicidal thoughts can be the result of the grieving process. Even though grief is a normal aspect of life, everyone responds differently to grief, I feel it is very important for those grieving seek some type of help whether it is an counselor or a support group, something to help the individual process each grieving step.  

Suicide is preventable. Most suicidal individuals want to live, they just aren’t able to see alternatives or solutions to their problems (Western Michigan University). Most people will give definite warnings. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the signs, overlook or ignore the signs or simply do not know how to respond. According to NAMI, the best way to respond to someone’s suicidal warning is to talk honestly. Don’t be afraid to ask, “Do you have a plan for how or when?” It is also important to remain calm and ask other simple and direct questions like “Can I call your doctor for you?” Express your concern and support and be patient. If you can, remove the person’s access to any weapons or pills. It is very important to never argue, threaten or raise your voice. Do not debate with the individual. The most important action is to get that person professional help as soon as possible. There are a number of resources for help. I have listed them before. They are available 24/7.

In conclusion, suicide is preventable. While many do not leave notes behind, there are warning signs to pay attention to prior to the attempt. Suicidal thoughts can affect everyone. Mental health is as important as our physical health. We need to take care of our minds as well as our bodies. We also need to pay attention to someone’s moods, behaviors, and statements for signs of suicidal tendencies. Sometimes they will be subtle and other they will be blatant and bold. Suicidal thoughts and statements need to be taken seriously. Speak honestly, calmly, and patently. There are many local and national resources for those who are considering suicide as well as those who know someone who may be considering it. There is help available and it is important to remind someone that they are not alone. You are not alone in this battle.

 

 Resources

If you or someone needs helps with suicidal thoughts, please contact any of the following organizations for help.

 National Alliance on Mental Illness: www.nami.org/Find-Support

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (US and Canada), 85258 (UK) or 50808 (Ireland) to connect with a Crisis Counselor

                                                                         References

Catlin, Caroline (December 19, 2019). Suicide Survivors Share Their Stories and Advice in These Photos. www.healthline.com/health/photo-essay-portraits-suicide-survivors-resilience#1. Retrieved September 1, 2020.

 

NAMI (no date). Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. National Alliance on Mental Illness. www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-awareness-month. Retrieved August 30, 2020.

 

SAVE (no date) Suicide Facts. Suicide Awareness Voices of Education. www.save.org/about-suicide/suicide-facts/. Retrieved September 1, 2020.

 

Western Michigan University (no date). Suicide Prevention Program. www.wmich.edu/suicideprevention/basics/facts. Retrieved September 1, 2020.

I was Hungry: a real look at the American hunger crisis

I was Hungry: Cultivating Common Ground to End an American Crisis by Jeremy K. Everett is a deep look into the American hunger crisis in which millions of Americans go without food daily. Most of the hunger crisis is due to food insecurity, the lack of access to enough healthy food to live a healthy lifestyle, in which inadequate food is experienced episodically. For example, the food supply is fine for a family at the beginning of the month but soon runs out before the month is over. Everett confronts what we know about the food crisis in America as many families must face the decision whether to buy food or pay bills with food usually loses. Poverty is an extremely complex issue. He claims that Americans often think the poor are just lazy people who are looking for a handout. Everett puts forth that many of Americans that suffer from food insecurity are working families who are underemployed, having jobs that do not pay enough to cover all expenses. However, Everett doesn’t just point out the problem and say deal with it. He offers a plan, from his own experiences, on how we can come together as a nation to end hunger in America. He highlights where plans have succeeded and where plans have failed and how they could be improved.

I was Hungry is an interesting read with statistics I have heard before. Roughly 39.7 million Americans live in poverty with 12.9 million children living in food insecure households. He is critical of all politicians, church leaders and Americans who seem to be more content to bicker. He says, “Our political system has become toxic, with both sides preferring to cast stones at the other rather than coming together to find common ground for the common good.” While I agree with him that something needs to be done, unfortunately, not everyone agrees. He claims that the image of the “Welfare Queen” is a myth and while many people on SNAP food stamps are working families, the myth exists because there are examples in the real world. He also claims that the “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps” is a myth as well because it “does not apply to people who cannot afford boots.” More and more, the news media is carrying stories of the very people he is describing doing just that. They go from homeless to Harvard. Students who live and go to school in disadvantage areas are getting full ride scholarships to very prestigious schools. These students may be the exception; but to call it a “myth” when there are examples out there is shortsighted. Everett does come off, at times, as condescending and self-righteous at times, which he acknowledges, so I applaud that, he does presents a very real problem in our nation and offers real solutions and how we can come together as a community and a nation. I highly recommend I was Hungry.

I was Hungry:

Cultivating Common Ground to End an American Crisis

is available in hardcover, paperback and eBook.

Multigenerational households: pros, cons and questions to consider

According to the US Census data, roughly 16% of Americans live in a household with at least two adult generations. The highest level in 50 years. Although the practice is familiarly common in many cultures around the world for centuries, it is growing in the US. More and more people are living in multigenerational households for various reasons and the living arrangement carries a variety of pros and cons. I will discuss each of the pros and cons as well as questions that should be discussed when considering living in a multigenerational household. Is a multigenerational household a treasure or torture or a bit of both?

There are a number of benefits of living in a multigenerational household. First, kids and grandparents have daily access to each other. The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren can grow stronger as they can share in the day to day life experiences. For example, when a child gets an award at school, the grandparents can easily share in the accomplishment as the child comes home and talks about rather than hearing about it secondhand. Second, the adults can share living expenses and thus savings costs on various bills. Expenses such as groceries and utilities can be divided among the adults to ease the financial burdens. Third, with older parents living in the households, they can provide more support in the way of child care and saves time finding a babysitter if an emergency arises. Lastly, adult children will have the ability to provide in home care and keep an eye on aging parents especially when one or both parents loses the ability to living on their own.

There are also a number of cons to living in a multigenerational household. First, the loss of privacy and alone time for everyone in the household. With more people in a household, finding a space where you can be alone and unwind may become harder and harder. Second, more pressure on the main income earners. Especially if the old parents are retired and living on a fixed income and expenses rise, the main income earners may feel the pressure to keep everyone afloat. Third, personality conflicts and clashes with habits and behaviors. With older parents being used to being the parents, there may be conflict over parenting the younger children. Or the constant reminders of “that’s not how I used to do it” when an older parent sees the adult child do a chore or prepare food or even discipline the young children. Lastly, feeling like a permanent guest or host. The constant feeling of not really being home or having to entertain can quickly wear on the adults in the household.

When considering a multigenerational household there are a number of questions to consider. Because with even with the best of intentions, it is a situation that cannot be entered into blindly.

1. Will the move be short term, long term or permanent?

• Considering the terms of the stay can elevate the possible cons or prepare everyone for the possible conflicts that may arise.

2. Is there enough space for everyone?

• Trying to fit adults and children in a tiny space will ultimately lead to conflicts and other issues.

3. What will be the rules, roles and boundaries? How will they be decided and moderated? What procedures can be established to resolve conflicts in order to avoid resentments and tension?

• Establishing boundaries beforehand is an excellent way to avoid conflicts from the beginning. For instance, stating that an individual’s or a couple’s bedroom/bathroom be off-limits to everyone else can help with the privacy issues.

4. Do you offer family meetings to discuss conflicts, concerns or issues that may arise once the move-in is complete? How often should they be held?

• Monthly meetings should be considered to discuss any issues such as budget and changes in schedules, etc. Discussion on how chores should be divided so everyone knows their responsibilities in the household.

5. What items will or will not be shared? Will food be shared or will certain items be off limits?

• It may seem like a non-issue; however, frustrations could arise if someone buys something as   a treat for them and everyone eats it before he or she can enjoy it.

6. How much of daily life and events be shared or separated? Will meals be together or separate? Will vacations and outings be together or separate?

• The answer to this questions probably boils down to schedule and if the family is together during meal times. As for vacations and outings, I would anticipate some to be separate as well as possible family vacations together.

7. What are the guidelines for inviting guests? Do you consult each other when you want to invite a friend over or is everyone free to invite guests over without consultation?

• It is a sign of respect for those you live with when you consult others about if and when visitors will be invited and at the residence.

In my research, one site suggested that two questions should be answered. First, do you and your parents get along? I think regardless if you and your parents or even your spouse’s parents get along, living together is an entirely different situation than just being able to get along at functions and other get-togethers. Could the living arrangement bring up childhood issues? Can you live with your parents’ characteristics and behaviors? And can they live with yours? Second, are you and your spouse agreeable with the arrangement? Even if you get along with your parents, the bigger question is does your spouse? Having one or more parents living with you can cause tensions in any relationship especially a marriage. Abstain from directing anger at your spouse and guard your relationship as the center which holds the household together. I think the questions I’ve listed above are a good start in starting the conversation about living in a multigenerational household. Some situations may have more or less questions depending on the individuals involved.

In conclusion, even with the best laid out plans, as the new household learns to come together, it would be wise to expect conflicts, frustrations, restricted freedoms, role confusion and loss of privacy until everyone can learn the rhythm of the arrangement or until the arrangement ends, if in the short term. The most important thing to establish is the expectations of everyone in the arrangement. And keep those expectations clear in everyone’s mind as time goes on. Open communication is also key (and it is key in any situation regardless of living arrangements). If you are considering a multigenerational household, list your questions and concerns to be discussed with everyone beforehand. 

Bullying: it's not just a school yard problem anymore

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Everyone has experienced bullying, either been a victim, a bystander, or even the aggressor. Bullying is not just a school yard problem. It carries over into adulthood and can be seen in the workplace and on social media. Bullying is not just a parent’s problem, it is a societal problem, a problem that we should all care about and take notice.

Bullying is described as unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves real or perceived power imbalance. Bullying behavior is repeated or has the potential to be repeated. This behavior includes making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally and excluding someone from a group on purpose. Victims are often singled out due to race, ethnicity, religion affiliation, sexual orientation, or physical or learning disabilities.

The rise of technology has led to the rise of cyberbully. Cyberbullying includes the use of internet anonymity to send offensive photos, images or threating comments. It can also be hacking into someone’s online account and sending or posting inappropriate and embarrassing messages, videos and photos without consent. The statistics of cyberbullying is scary. 1 in 3 teens will experience some form of cyberthreats. Over 25% of teens will experience repeated cyberbullying. Over 50% of teens won’t tell their parents. Over 50% of teens will be bullied online. About 50% of teens will engage in some form of cyberbullying (source of statistics from thebullyproject.com). 

The BULLY Project is a social action campaign which has been inspired by the award winning documentary, BULLY. The goal is to stop bullying and changing the culture of bullying. I highly recommend seeing the documentary, BULLY. The website, thebullyproject.com, had great resources for parents, teachers, and students about how to recognize bullying and how to help stop it from happening.

In conclusion, over the last two years, a number of news stories from the United States and Europe have featured a teenager who was bullied so much online, in school and in their neighborhoods that they took their own lives. Even one suicide is too many. We need to step up and stop this type of abuse. No one deserves to be treated with such disrespect and words so cruel that could harm any soul. Please if you are being bullied, seek help. Talk to a teacher, an adult or your parents. Parents need to teach their children to treat all people with respect. If you see bullying happening, please don’t be a bystander and let it happen. Step in and defend or tell someone who can. Together we can stop bullying! 

In loving memory:

We will never forget

Rebecca Sewick, 12 years old,

Amanda Todd, 15 years old,

Ciara Pugsley, 15 years old,

Erin and Shannon Gallagher, sisters, 13 and 15 years old

Jessica Laney, 16 years old

Anthony Stubbs, 16 years old

Joshua Unsworth, 15 years old

Daniel Perry, 17 years old

Hannah Smith, 14 years old