"Cyber-Banging": When Gangs Take It From the Street to the Web - New America Media

"Cyber-Banging": When Gangs Take It From the Street to the Web - New America Media

Bullying By The Numbers

Opponents of statistics often say that numbers can be skewed to prove whatever point is trying to be driven.  While this may be the case, there are some numbers that speak for themselves, and in this case, I believe I found some.  Here are some very alarming statistics on suicide, bullying, and bullycide.

1. According to the CDC, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among young people, resulting in approximately 4,400 deaths per year.
2. For every "successful" suicide, there are reportedly at least 100 attempts.
3. Over 14% of high school students have considered suicide, and 7% have attempted it.
4. Bullying victims are 2-9 times more likely to resort to suicide according to a Yale University study.
5. According to the above study, 10-14 year old girls are at a high risk.
6. According to a recent ABC News report, 30% of students are bullies or victims of bullies. (this number appears low).
7. The same ABC report reported that 160,000 kids stay home from school every day in fear of bullying.

And many people still believe bullying is a fad or a right of passage. 

Bullycide

A few years ago, the term “bullycide” did not exist.  However with the alarming number of kids killing themselves due to the cruelty of bullying, it was created.  In the last few weeks, it has been re-enforced.    

In Ridge Farm, Illinois, Ashlyn Conner was “tormented” by her classmates.  She was being called “fat” and a “slut” even though she was a beautiful child.  She had a bright smile and was a cheerleader.  The night before her death, she reportedly asked her mother if she could be home schooled because she was terrified of returning to her school.  The mother told her no and when she woke up the next morning, her daughter had killed herself by hanging herself with a scarf. 

In Chadbourn, North Carolina, Jasmine McClain hung herself with a belt after repeated bullying at school.  She was teased about her clothes and her shoes and she also dreaded returning to school.  Investigators further learned of her bullying through Facebook.  In every parent’s worst nightmare, her mother found her and Jasmine took her final breath in her mother’s arms. 

On April 20, 1999, there were 13 homicide and 2 bullycide victims at Columbine High School.  International news stations covered the events.  Books have been written, programs have been developed, and legislation has been passed based on the events of that day.  Sadly, in the case of these young girls and the majority of these young victims, their stories go untold. 

May their families find peace. 

Ashlyn Conner story can be read here

Jasmine McClain story can be read here

Stalked, Bullied, Beaten

In Garland, Texas, a 15 year old high school student was a victim of an all too common crime this week. 

In what appears to be an assault planned by the aggressor and her friends, a female student was approached at school, and while attempting to walk AND keeping her hands in her pockets, was assaulted.  She suffered a broken nose and had to be treated at a local emergency room. 

It appears that the parents of the victim had previously taught her properly.  They told her to walk away and it is very evident in the video which accompanies this story, that this is what she attempted to do.  The victim's mother had this to say,

“Just look at how violent it is! I told her, I said just walk away. She said, ‘I did what you told me, Mom.’ I told her no matter what you just walk away and she did,” she said.

In another all too common thread of this story, the incident apparently started on social media.  While social media can be a very rewarding, fulfilling, and practical tool, left in the hands of teenagers it can have serious, and sometimes deadly consequences.  The video was also posted on Youtube which many people do not consider a social media site.  With the technology in cellular phones ever increasing, kids can post videos to Youtube, Facebook, and other social media sites as soon as they are recorded.  The comments posted about these vidoes on all the sites can be alarming. 

The local school district did not comment on the incident.  However, school districts across the State of Texas were recently mandated to adopt anti-bullying policies which address cyber-bullying as well as several other times.  Harsher consequences for the aggressors are now mandatory.  So while the parents may be upset that the attackers were not arrested, they should remain vigilant in ensuring that the school complies with policy.  And they need to continue to teach their daughter that fighting is not the answer.