The purpose of this petition is to be the voice for our children who are daily dealing with bullying, cyber-bullying, violence and threats from their peers, and living in fear what the next day will hold.
The Dignity for all Students Act outlines what is and isn't acceptable behavior amongst our school age children, however, where enforcement is concerned, this policy is seriously lacking. As is the fact that there are not counselling services for the victim set in place, as well as for the offender.
A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY, needs to be set in place in every school, in every district. First time offenders should not receive the customary "slap on the wrist" approach. Bullying leads to poor grades, increased absences, low self-esteem and self worth and in many cases suicide, homocide and rape.
Bullying Statistics
* It is estimated that 160,000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students. Source: National Education Association.
* The attempted suicide rate for high school students has risen from 6.3% to 7.8% in the last three years.
* 282,000 students are physically attacked in secondary schools each month.
* Suicide rates among 10 to 14-year-olds have grown more than 50 percent over the last three decades. Source The American Association of Suicidology, AAS
* Over 14 percent of high school students have considered suicide, and almost 7 percent have attempted it. Source Bullyingstatistics.org
* Every 7 minutes a child is bullied. Source stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov
