This is Jonah.
This is a video that he posted on YouTube in August.
He's entering eighth grade this year.
He has been continually bullied since the first grade.
Parents, it is of the utmost importance that you have an active role in your child's life. There are hundreds of thousands of children just like Jonah. Get involved. Talk to school administrators. Petition the school board for tougher regulations on bullying. This isn't just an issue with gay kids. Just last month, a 10 year old Illinois girl committed suicide after bullies continually taunted her; calling her "fat" and "ugly".
If your kid is the subject of bullying, get them into a structured therapy program. As someone that was preyed upon regularly for more than a decade by their schoolmates, I can tell you that the trauma has long term effects. The depression and lack of self worth last many times well into adulthood. Therapy helps to break the cycle of being the victim.
Lastly, if you are reading this, do me a personal favor: go to the YouTube link for Jonah's video and leave him a message of encouragement. He needs a friend right now.
This is a video that he posted on YouTube in August.
He's entering eighth grade this year.
He has been continually bullied since the first grade.
Parents, it is of the utmost importance that you have an active role in your child's life. There are hundreds of thousands of children just like Jonah. Get involved. Talk to school administrators. Petition the school board for tougher regulations on bullying. This isn't just an issue with gay kids. Just last month, a 10 year old Illinois girl committed suicide after bullies continually taunted her; calling her "fat" and "ugly".
If your kid is the subject of bullying, get them into a structured therapy program. As someone that was preyed upon regularly for more than a decade by their schoolmates, I can tell you that the trauma has long term effects. The depression and lack of self worth last many times well into adulthood. Therapy helps to break the cycle of being the victim.
Lastly, if you are reading this, do me a personal favor: go to the YouTube link for Jonah's video and leave him a message of encouragement. He needs a friend right now.
