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When Kimberly Jones picked up her 11-year-old son, Keaton, from his school in Knoxville, Tennessee one day last week, he had an unusual request. He asked her to record a video of him in the car.
You see, Keaton was leaving school early, and not for the first time. He was afraid to have lunch at school because classmates had poured milk on him and stuffed food in his clothes.
“They make fun of my nose,” he tearfully says in the video. “They call me ugly. They say I have no friends. Why do they bully? Why do you find joy in taking innocent people and finding a way to be mean to them?” at this point he’s sobbing. He adds: “People that are different don’t need to be criticized about it. It’s not their fault.”
Keaton’s mom posted the video on Facebook last Friday, pleading with parents to talk to their children about bullying. By Sunday night, the video had been viewed 20 million times, and that was just on Facebook. Thousands of people including celebrities also responded on social media, saying that they too had been victims of bullying and urged Keaton to stay strong.
The public outcry against bullying seems to wax and wane. There have been many well-publicized cases in recent years where bullying has been so vicious that the victims killed themselves.
Just last month 10-year-old Ashawnty Davis, from Colorado, hung herself two weeks after a video of a fight with an alleged bully was posted online. It was the first altercation this previously happy little girl had gotten into and it happened after she confronted her tormentor.
Also last month, Toni Rivers, an 11-year-old girl from South Carolina, fatally shot herself after being bullied for months. The day she shot herself she told five of her friends “that she just couldn’t do this anymore, and she was going home and she was killing herself,” her aunt, Maria Peterson told reporters. Young Toni was found still alive by her sister, but passed away three days later.
These are just two examples of what is now referred to as “Bullycide”. How tragic is it that we now have an official term for this?
The CDC recently reported that the suicide rate for children between the ages of 10 – 14, more than doubled from 2007 – 2014. Suicide in this age group now leads motor vehicle accidents as the cause of death. And the higher rates of suicide among school children are found during the fall and spring, but not the summer.
So, what can we, as adults do to stop this epidemic? Here’s just a few suggestions from https://www.stopbullying.gov
1. Talk to your children about bullying. Make sure they understand what bullying is and how to safely stand up to it.
2. Check in with children. Listen to any concerns or complaints they have about school. Make sure you know who their friends are.
3. Encouraging children to do what they love in regards to special activities and hobbies can not only help them make friends, but also boost their self-confidence.
4. Be a role model and treat others in person and online with respect and kindness.
Since I began writing this post a few hours ago (Sorry. I had to take breaks because of a migraine), several online sites including TMZ, Vibe, and the UK Daily Mail, are reporting that Kimberly Jones has written racist posts on her now shutdown Facebook page and is soliciting donations via PayPal. I hope this isn’t true, but regardless, her actions shouldn’t take away from her son’s very real pain. Nor should it take away from the public discussion about what we can do to better protect our children. We as a society need to do better.
Pingback: Keaton Jones ~ A Plea For Help – Angie Dokos
vinnieh said:
The video really got to me. I hate seeing someone feel that alone as a result of bullying. Hopefully it can show to others that respect and kindness are the way forward.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Exactly Vinnie. Even if his mother is a racist, the video has restarted a much needed conversation on how to stop this.
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vinnieh said:
As many have said, he can’t help who his mother is. And no one should have to deal with bullying.
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Tony Burgess said:
I am a little cynical about this for some reason. The more folks have dug the more they reveal the family isn’t all that nice to start with. I am hoping this young man’s trouble isn’t being exploited by his parents.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I hope so too Tony, but regardless, his mother’s views and actions are not his fault.
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Garabrandt Reviews said:
I heard about this… that poor kid. My heart really goes out to him
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
His anguish is heartbreaking.
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Trang (Bookidote) said:
This is a human’s pleague, starting so young and people still deny what is this doing to the future generation 😦
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s incredible that this has gotten to this point.
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Alethea Kehas said:
Reblogged this on Not Tomatoes and commented:
A powerful post about the consequences of bullying…
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Carrie said:
I saw this online earlier and you bet it just tugs at the heart. The problem though I think is the bullies we have today are those same kids that run wild and never get parented. You would think though that schools would be stepping up and making sure in this day and age that it doesn’t happen within their doors but unfortunately that’s not always the case and there will always be moments that adults do not see.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I think you’re right Carrie, but I also think there are other factors involved, most importantly lack of communication and proper role modeling.
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Carrie said:
That all really falls under lack of parenting though. If adults were stepping up and raising kids right they would know what was going on with them. Sure there’s going to be ones that act out with even the best parents but those parents would still know and at least be trying to rectify the situations.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Lack of parenting. Lack of school supervision. From our Bully-In-Chief down, lack of role models. The list is endless.
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Alan Morley said:
Stories of child abuse, bullying and suicide shake me to the core, especially now as a parent of two young boys.
A wonderful post and the more awareness about this, the better (I’ve also addressed the Keaton Jones story on my blog as well). Given the inevitable backlash the mother will receive – some of it ‘earned’ if her racist character and GoFundMe motive is true – it’s unfortunate that Keaton, still a young boy, will have to feel the ripple effect of that as well.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you so much. My husband and I don’t have children, but I was a children’s librarian for 26 years and they’ve always had a special place in my heart. With everything going on in the world it’s a scary time to be a parent. I’m hoping that Kimberly Jones’ past and murky don’t have a negative impact on her son.
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Writergurlny said:
As bad as the mother’s past is, if it is true, my heart still breaks for her son.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I agree. He needs even more help.
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
This absolutely broke my heart!!! I haven’t even heard about the girl in South Carolina and I live here! Bullying breaks my heart! Thanks so much for sharing this post Kim! I think this is very important information that must be shared! The damage done can be long lasting! You are amazing Kim! You took out your time when you were miserably in pain to write this and I couldn’t agree more even though the lady was wrong with her actions it doesn’t change her pain! You are fantastic!💖💖💖 We all must share the love!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you Book Sister. When I saw the video I knew I had to post something. It took me 4 hours with quite a few breaks but it was worth it. I can’t stand these stories of children killing themselves because they’re being bullied. I only wrote about two of the most recent ones. You should see the stats online. “Bullycide” just makes me angry and sick. And as far as Kimberly Jones, if the charges are true, that has nothing to do with what Keaton has been put through.
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
You’re exactly right Kim! I love the way your brain works! lol. I think looking up the stats will kill me too much! It really just breaks me up inside when someone is mean to someone else even if it’s in a book or movie I have to skip that part a lot! I just can’t take it! How can people live with themselves!😭😭😭
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I just don’t know Dani. It’s such a complicated issue. Oftentimes bullies themselves have been abused in some form.😞
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Reblogged this on Touch My Spine Book Reviews and commented:
I’m sharing a post that the one and only amazing Kim wrote! This post is very important yet extremely heartbreaking! Bullying is such a horrible thing that we must raise awareness for! I didn’t even realize a child in South Carolina took their life and I live here. All of this is just devastating! Please read this post or show love on Kim’s post or share! Sending everyone lots of love and letting everyone know I am still battling some serious health concerns so I am not as active as usual but I hope to get better soon! Love you guys!💖
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you Book Diva!😙
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
You’re welcome Book Sister!😍
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
It is truly disappointing that bullying is still an omnipresent phenomenon nowadays… I have known some instances of bullying as a teenager, with older kids picking on me, mostly verbally, but never like the cliche you see in movies for bullying. Thank you for making this post and raising awareness on the issue though. People need to understand that it is something that should be taken really seriously.
P.S. On a happier note, CONGRATULATIONS ON 3000 FOLLOWERS KIM!!! 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m so sorry you were a victim of bullying my friend. I was as well, which is why I climb up on my soapbox when these stories hit the news.
And Thank You for the Congrats! I couldn’t believe it when I saw that this morning. I’m going to write a post thanking everyone later this week.🤗
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BeckiesMentalMess.wordpress.com said:
Reblogged this on Beckie's Mental Mess and commented:
Original Post by Keaton Jones “By Hook Or By Book Reviews, News And Other Stuff” Posted this heartwrenching piece “A Plea For Help” – This is a must-read! Please share, and bring more awareness to Bullying. Please. Thank you.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you Beckie!
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Lee Dunn said:
Reblogged this on AreMyFeetOffTheGround and commented:
This says it all.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you Lee!
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Lee Dunn said:
You are most welcome. I too experienced this as a young kid.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m so sorry to hear that. I was also bullied as a kid so I tend to go a bit crazy when I hear stories like this.
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robbiesinspiration said:
Bullying at school is a terrible thing. I don’t understand why there is so little tolerance of difference in our culture. It seems to be getting worse and not better.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It definitely is Robbie. And some of that intolerance is being passed down to children. Whether it’s celebrity and political feuds, or ordinary people just carelessly making a hurtful remark about someone else for whatever reason, these are all learned behaviors.
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raistlin0903 said:
Well I can only say that having been the subject for bullying for several years I know how hard it can be to cope with this. There were certain points where I was scared to head to school and I came home nearly every day crying my eyes out. It also did something with me mentally: I will always have the problem of self doubt. It has gone better over the years (time heals all wounds they say) but it will never quite go away. It pains me to see things like this. The persons that are responsible for this should realise the longterm effects this has on someone’s life. But then again: they probably don’t even care. I think it’s great that you made a post like this. You can never have too much attention for this. So from the bottom of my heart: thank you for this 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Oh God. You too Michel? I’m so sorry. You’re right. The adults who bullied when they were younger should definitely be made aware of the repercussions from their actions. I suspect that the majority of them, even if they acknowledge what they did, probably convince themselves that it wasn’t all that bad. But then you have others like Trump, who are proud of their bullying past and exhibit the same behavior now. How sad is that?
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raistlin0903 said:
Unfortunately yes. I was bullied for about 15 years all together. It definitely left it’s mark won’t deny that 😢
I think, with a few exceptions, most people that bullied in their younger years don’t have any regrets whatsoever. And it’s very sad indeed that you currently have a president that seems to be okay with that. In fact I think he is still a bully currently considering everything that he is doing. But as I said before: it’s great that you made a post for this. You are a terrific person 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you so much Michel!🤗 15 years of being bullied is unacceptable. I’m so sorry you went through that and didn’t get any help.
And you’re right. Trump is the Bully-In-Chief and the Sexual-Assaulter-In-Chief.😒
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raistlin0903 said:
I would laugh if it wasn’t so sad at the same time 😢
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
GRRRRRR… Only Trump would defend himself against sexual harrassment by committing sexual harrassment! He’s sick! #MyPussyGrabsBack #breakthesilence #MeToo
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
You couldn’t be more right about the President, Michel but the rest breaks my heart into pieces! 💔💔💔😭😭😭You are remarkable and don’t let anyone ever make you feel different!!!💖💖💖💖
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raistlin0903 said:
Well your story in your earlier comment seriously broke mine as well😢😢 But the same advice goes for you as well: never let them bring you down again, and never doubt yourself 😊😘😊 You are just as remarkable yourself 😊
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Yay!!! Hugs!
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Also you are so strong to have overcome that Michel!🤗😗😀😍😄
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raistlin0903 said:
Aww, thanks, but the things you have overcome yourself are even more astounding. I was already in awe of you, but today that increased even more. Truly I admire you more than you will ever know 😊
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
It’s not like a competition sweetheart! We all go through pain and it’s not for me to say what hurt more. We both went through some rough experiences just like Kim! I am in complete awe of you! I just felt I should share with you speaking up like you did! I hope you know how awesome you are! Screw the haters!💖🤗😍
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raistlin0903 said:
No it really isn’t. Everyone who has gone through something like this has had their own stories of pain and grief, and they will always remain a part of you no matter how long ago it was. But yeah, your story just really broke my heart, and it was truly brave, and at the same time very amazing of you to share it. So really, I hope you realise how amazing you yourself are as well 😊😍 And true: screw the haters, I could not agree more! 😀
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Reading your comment absolutely broke my heart Michel! I hope you realize how incredible you are now! I have only dealt with some bullying at school but I truly dealt with it within my house and once I was in a group home. I guess I was nervous saying this before because I didn’t want people to think I am insane. But I grew up mostly in a residential treatment facilities, group homes and foster homes and sometimes Juvenile Detention. It was easier to send a traumatized child into the system then deal with DID and the whole mix. One time when I was eating lunch in the cafe in an RTC facility I got knocked in the head with a hard plastic tray for no reason, I was stabbed with a sharpened fork because of the color if my skin, I got stiches at a early age for being mixed. I got thrown in a basement for three days and as punishment for not doing the dishes correctly I got picked on my my fosters “favorite” kids and was put in a trunk for 48 hours. That’s some of the actual bullying from my peers I battled. I had a staff member hold me down while a girl kicked and busted my tooth because she said my personalities were demons. I battle self doubt and self hatred every day and I’m so sorry you dealt with this for several years Michel. On my blog I brought up some high school drama ones but if this counts as the kind if bullying then I know what this feels like. I just dont know because it wasnt in a school but a home but I tried to take my life because of it after getting my stomach pumped I obviously made it out. I will not say I understand because I never went through what you went through or have felt the pain from your perspective but I’m so sorry. I don’t know if my story helps or makes it worse but I agree with you there can’t be enough awareness on this issue! Thanks for sharing and opening up on Kim’s post, you are a very strong man and awesome!!!💖😗🤗😍😄
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raistlin0903 said:
Wow….I’m a bit at a loss for words here, abd trust me when I say that really doesn’t happen very often. You are sorry for me? Seriously sweet Dani, the things you went through and describe here are so incredibly horrible. Indeed so sorry for you that you had to go through all this crap. You so don’t deserve this at all. I have never, not even after reading all this, once thought that you were crazy. I just think that you are incredibly brave to share such a heartbreaking story. No words that I can say will ever make it easier for you, but I can only say that you have turned into a truly remarkable young woman. If you are ever in doubt of yourself just think of this. It is seriously not necessary for a single moment at all. Any other person might have given up after having gone through all this: but you are still standing abd bringing happyness to people each and every day.
So all I can say is thank you: for your kindness, for being you, and for this truly heartwarming and absolutely amazing comment. And just in case you were wondering: your story definitely helped. Thanks again, and never ever doubt yourself or let people bully you again. You are amazing 😊😍😊
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Aww… Hugs!!! It makes my week that I helped you! Your story and comments help me all the time! You deserve the best Michel!💖
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raistlin0903 said:
You really did, so thank you so much for that😊 I hope you are feeling better yourself and will have an amazing week! 😊😍😊
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Dani, just when I think you can’t amaze me anymore, you always do. What an absolutely hellish childhood! I wish I could wave a magic wand and give you a do over. You are incredible!
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Awww Kim! You are the best ever! Thanks so much for all your support!💖💖💖 It was pretty hard and wish I had more of a chance to be a kid but at the same time I guess I wouldn’t be me or as strong.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
We are survivors!🤗
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Yes we are!!!💖💖💖💖
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vinnieh said:
Never let anyone tell you that you’re not special, Michel. You’re an immensely creative individual whose friendship is invaluable.
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raistlin0903 said:
Aww man…really you three today: I’m really at a loss for words with all these incredibly kind and wonderful comments for me. I really am not lying when I say that I really had quite a few moments today where I had tears in my eyes. Thanks so much Vinnieh: you are an amazing friend as well: and never let anyone make you feel bad about yourself either. You are a terrific and utterly amazing person: never, ever forget that 😊
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vinnieh said:
We are all here for you buddy, through good times and bad. That’s what friends are for.
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raistlin0903 said:
I’m just really glad I met you all. You, Kim and Dani are just simply put: the best 😊
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vinnieh said:
We’re a good bunch.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I feel the same way Michel!😙
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m going to echo Vinnie. While I haven’t had the privilege of meeting you in person Michel, you are clearly a special person. 😙
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raistlin0903 said:
Seriously I just woke up here, and I already find comments that are seriously making me smile and feel very shy at the same time. Thank you so much: but seriously you are definitely very special yourself. Your blog is amazing, and you manage to spread so much love and happyness with it, while at the same time also writing posts that really matter like the one about bullying. So really, you are a truly amazing person yourself😊
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Aww. And now you have me blushing!😊 All I’ve ever wanted was to make a difference in the world, you know? So I can’t tell you how happy your words make me Michel. Thank you.
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raistlin0903 said:
Haha, sorry about that: but you definitely do make a difference in the world, so you have certainly achieved that goal. Keep making and writing these wonderful posts: you really are extraordinary 😊
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Okay. Now I’m getting teary. Seriously Michel, thank you for your support and encouragement. It means the world to me.😙
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Jen said:
This just hurts my heart so much. I will never understand how kids or adults can be mean to someone else. Or why no one sticks up for those that are being targeted.
I’m going into my oldest son’s school tomorrow to have a talk with the principal and admin over well it’s not bullying per se but it is a child acting very wrong. There’s a boy in my son’s grade who sits down at lunch and steals people’s desserts from them. At age 6😲. He eats their desserts and he makes kids cry. And for the last month or so the lunch monitor was doing a good job but she must have stopped because today my son stuck up and helped his best friend, she’s the sweetest little girl ever, get her dessert back after that other kid stole it from her. My son then picked up their lunches and moved them to another table so that boy couldn’t try and steal from her again. And the little girls mom, one of my good friends, is going to have lunch with them tomorrow so she can help monitor that kid and also have a talk with admins. Now here’s the thing, it’s not a huge issue, but it’s wrong. And I always feel like things like this can lead to so much more, if they think doing something like that is okay at 6 what will they think is okay when they’re older? Ugh. Sorry for my ramblings. I help volunteer at his school a lot and I could go on and on for what I see. I feel like I’m always having to give lessons or explain what it means to be respectful and nice, his teacher does the same thing too, when we see things and we’re in one of the best school districts in our state. 😔
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You are a thoroughly engaged parent Jen and your son is awesome! This may seem right now like a small thing, but bullying behavior starts at a young age and gets worse as the child gets older. Your son’s action tell this other boy that what he’s doing is NOT acceptable. Bravo to both of you.🤗
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Jen said:
Thank you so much for the kind words!! And, that’s so very true. It’s sad that bullying does start at such a young age, ugh. My meeting with the principal went amazing and I’m so happy with what transpired. I’m definitely very thankful we have such caring teachers and a caring and responsive principal at my kiddos school, thank goodness! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m so happy your kids have a great principal. That makes all the difference in the world.😊
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ihaveabadsenseofhumor said:
I think way too many people take bullying too lightly. Words do hurt!
The worst thing about it for me is the bystanders though. If less people stayed quiet and stood up for another person instead I think it would have a huge effect
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I agree. So many people see it as a normal part of childhood. I actually had a neighbor say that to me once.🤦🏻♀️
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ihaveabadsenseofhumor said:
That’s just the wrong thing to say. Yes, teasing your friends is normal, but it’s clear when “harmless teasing” turns into “bullying” and bullying should not be considered the norm!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Without a question! Adults need to take this more seriously. I don’t know what it will take.😕
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ihaveabadsenseofhumor said:
I don’t either
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Casey Elizabeth Dennis said:
This makes me cry. Literally. I was bullied too. So many young children committing suicide. It’s not okay.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m so sorry Casey. I was bullied as well so I can relate. It’s not okay and adults need to do better.
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Casey Elizabeth Dennis said:
I agree. Parents need to speak to their children more about bullying. Bullying doesn’t some from well-rounded children. It usually comes from neglected children, abused children, insecure children, or spoiled children.
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Jay said:
This is a huge problem and while Keaton’s mother may not be a good person, that shouldn’t distract us from the sad reality. This is a huge problem and I think schools are way too lax about it. No child should even understand suicide, let alone contemplate it.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I absolutely agree with you 100% Jay! “Bullycide!” God!😢
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Michelle Morrison said:
How sad. Children should not be subjected to this kind of thing, and strong action should be taken by adults who observe a child being bullied.
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