We Have An Obligation to Stop Bullying-related Suicides

Today started like any other day, with a cup of coffee and reading the news on the internet. I try to be positive everyday, but today I'm saddened by so much news of bullying, teen suicide, and gay youth suicide. This has to stop. The loss of one life by suicide is too many. So many lives cut short; so many bright futures extinguished by death.

Bullying must stop. It is wrong and everyone knows it. Hate is not acceptable.

Today "HRC" Human Rights Campaign launched an alert regarding the bullying related suicides and called on the U. S. Secretary of Education to take action on this matter. “Our schools and our nation cannot sit back and wait for the next tragedy,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “Tools and resources are available to protect our children and it is adults who must act to put strong laws, policies and procedures in place.” “This isn’t a new problem. It’s been happening for decades,” added Solmonese. “Too often, administrators fail to act, even after parents complain about the bullying at school.”

It doesn't have to be this way. All children should be treated equally and protected from bullying. Today is dark, but I know tomorrow will be bright. Let's put an end to these tragedies. My thoughts are with the families and friends of these children we can't bring back.

I agree with the statements made by Ellen Degeneres: "I am devastated over the death of 18-year-old Tyler Clementi," the openly gay talk show host says. "He was outed as being gay on the Internet and he killed himself. ... One life lost in this senseless way is tragic."

Noting the three other deaths that have been reported with gay teens this month, DeGeneres says, "Something must be done."

"This needs to be a wake up call to everyone that teenage bullying and teasing is an epidemic in this country, and the death rate is climbing," she adds. "We have an obligation to change this."

We have an obligation to change this. We all do. Do your part.

HRC Launches Alert Following Bullying-Related Suicides Around the Country http://www.hrc.org/14938.htm

Ellen DeGeneres 'Devastated' over Rutgers Student Suicide
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20430930,00.html

The Trevor Project: a 24-hour hotline for gay and questioning youth: 866-4-U-TREVOR (488-7386)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)