Video: Bringing Cyberbullying to Life
In “Real Life Yik Yak,” students at Glenbrook South High School take a stand against cyberbullying, according to a short video posted by a Sun-Times Media Local network [1].
The video shows students chained to the stairwell at Glenbrook South while wearing signs with cruel phrases around their necks. This demonstration depicts the dangers of anonymity and the threat of cyberbullying when students don’t feel accountable for their actions online. The students chose to focus on the popular app Yik Yak because it allows users to post anonymously about other people.
In addition to portraying the hurtful effects of cyberbullying, this powerful video also highlights compassion and support. Many passing students stop and offer the chained students encouraging words and some hugs. In the background, students’ voices are heard speaking out against cyberbullying.
Middle Schoolers Create Gay Straight Alliance
There is a new Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) at A.L. Stanback Middle School in Orange County, CA thanks to the hard work of students who spoke up for inclusion and safe spaces at school.
According to Indy Week [2], previous years of student negotiations with school administrators had led to the creation of an Equity Club and a Diversity Club, though they lacked the national support and clear mission of a GSA. GSAs are nationally backed school clubs that offer support and counseling for LGBT students.
Although there has been some backlash from other students, the young GSA members have continued to stand up for their LGBT peers. One student said, "In our school's vision statement, it says that we are preparing students for success in a 'diverse' world [....] If we truly believe that, we need to make sure that we are practicing it." The GSA at A.L. Stanback had its first meeting this April, and will continue in the fall semester.
Click here for the full article [2] and check out the Not In Our School video [3] about how another California middle school started a GSA.
Stormtroopers Support Bully Victims
In 2010, 7-year-old Katie became the victim of teasing and bullying because of her love for Star Wars. When Katie’s story attracted the attention of the Star Wars fan group, 501st Legion, they raised funds to make a custom stormtrooper Halloween costume for Katie, according to the Huffington Post [4]. Since receiving the costume, Katie has worn it on several occasions, unafraid to express herself and her passion.
This year, the Stormtrooper suit will be passed on to Allison, an 11-year old who has been bullied. Brian Troyan, a spokesman for the 501st Legion, explains the boost in self-confidence that the suit gives these girls, stating, “Even if someone tries to make fun of them for something, that doesn’t mean they should be ashamed of it.” When Allison outgrows it, the suit and the tradition of support and confidence will be passed on to another child who has been bullied.
Click here to read the full article from the Huffington Post [4].
Video: Stomp Out Bullying
“When I bullied somebody, I didn’t really think about it at the time. A few years later, I realized there’s not much difference between us.”
Powerful statements from students open the music video for Haunted by Heroes’ music video, “Stomp It Out.” “Stomp it Out” is a collaboration with nonprofit Free2Luv, which advocates for individuality and equal rights through arts and media. The music video features students from five Bay Area middle schools, who hold signs that read “No More Bullying” and “Rock LUV Not Hate”. Through their rock sound, Haunted By Heroes encourages all youth to take a stand in the “kindness revolution” and to make their voices heard.