Story by Eanna Morrison Barrs
Tomorrow, on March 5th, The New York Songwriters Circle is presenting a Concert to Prevent Bullying to benefit Hey U.G.LY, a non-profit organization that works to give youth the self-esteem and empathetic tools they need to counter bullying.
Bullying has been an issue that has faced teenagers for years. But recently with the growing use of social media sites, it has become a lot easier for students to be targeted by other classmates. Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr make it especially easy for bullies to spread rumors and harass others.
Just a few days ago, on February 29th, it was Anti-Bullying Day (or Pink Shirt Day), and I was pleasantly surprised to see how many students at my school showed their support by wearing the day’s colour. I think today, most teenagers recognize that bulling is wrong, but they don’t always realize when they are being a bully. Spreading rumors, trying to intimidate someone else, or saying mean remarks about someone is bulling, and it is harmful. I think it’s important for teenagers to reflect on how the things they do and say affect others.
I’ve been in a situation where I experienced bullying, and I think the biggest thing that I learnt was that you should tell an adult straight away. I also think it’s important for teens to try not to let other people’s opinions get to them, and to protect themselves online (have strict privacy settings, don’t accept people you don’t know, and delete/block people if they send you any mean posts).
Among the many people performing at tomorrow evening’s benefit concert, there are two stand outs, who have made an impact through their work in bullying prevention: Devyn Rush, the former American Idol Contestant, and Cassidy Reiff, co-founder of musical group, CABB, with actress Abagail Breslin. I had a chance to speak with both Rush and Reiff about they’re own bullying experiences, Hey U.G.L.Y, bullying prevention, and their upcoming projects. Check out my interviews with each of the artists.
