It’s unfortunately no secret that bullying is quickly becoming an epidemic in our schools. Not just typical schoolyard antics, but serious mental and physical harassment that can go on for months, or even years, that targets a student simply because of who they are, what they look like, or what they believe in.
We’ve heard from countless students, teachers and parents throughout Michigan about bullying incidents and the devastating consequences to a child’s life that can result from it. Consequences that include poor grades, dropping out of school, and sadly, even suicide.
While there is no simple fix that will end bullying in our schools, teachers and parents from across the state have been calling for Michigan to take action to create the tools necessary for them to combat this growing problem. The reality is that 47 states already have anti-bullying laws on the books. These laws create a strong framework for schools to follow to help address and correct incidents of bullying.
These laws aren’t about punishment, but rather changing behavior and creating a positive learning environment for ALL of our students. Unfortunately, Michigan doesn’t have an anti-bullying law on the books, and it’s time for that to change. Senator John Gleason (D-Flushing) has been advocating for the Michigan legislature to pass an anti-bullying bill that’s been awaiting a vote for months now. Take a look at the video below and consider sharing it with friends and family to spread the message about the need to protect Michigan’s kids.
Together, we can make that happen. Together, we can tell these students that it absolutely does get better!