Note of Caution: In an effort not to sensationalize these events, GLSEN is refraining from posting this statement to our social networking sites, including Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc. We ask that you please take the same caution to reduce the risk of future tragedies.
Recently, there has been heightened media attention surrounding the suicides in New Jersey,Texas, California, Indiana, and Minnesota of several youth who were known to be bullied relentlessly because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
These horrific stories across the country reflect on school bullying culture and how it can lead to tragedy. Such cases are not new, but actually do reveal an important trend: the public is becoming more informed and in tune to the realities that adversely affect our youth. However, it is now up to the public to not just be aware, but to be active in changing this reality.
Groups like the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), and The Trevor Project have been working to educate the public on this issue, and, more importantly create ways for us to put an end to these tragedies.
Through policy efforts to pass legislation like the Safe Schools Improvement Act (HR2262 and S3739), the Claim Your Rights campaign, designed to encourage data collection on incidents that can lead to effective laws, and grassroots programs like suicide helplines such as the Trevor Lifeline - which received more than 29,000 calls from youth looking for help in 2009 alone, safe schools educational opportunities for teachers and school personnel, and support for students themselves in Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) these three groups are offering a 360-degree approach changing the culture of bullying that is connected to many of these youth suicides.
The end to bullying and creating a culture of respect for all isn't a one-step or one-sided effort. It is critical that concerned friends, family and community members know they have the power to take action to help at-risk youth right now. Studies show that when a young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning (LGBTQ) person knows there is an affirming teacher, school nurse, clergy member, or parent they can trust, they are much more likely to turn to them for help when they are bullied or depressed. Similarly, when a school or community has a Gay-Straight Alliance or other affirming and accepting group, young people are less likely to feel isolated and can turn to peers and faculty advisors when they need help. Knowing the warning signs and how to help someone who is suicidal are also key to preventing a suicide crisis.
The horrible instances of school bullying that have led young people to take their own lives reflect the growing need for a change in our culture to value the differences of our youth. That cultural shift must begin now, in communities, schools, and at home by recognizing and addressing the needs of LGBTQ youth, and letting them know they are not alone. It is now up to all of us to make sure it happens.
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization focused on crisis intervention and suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ youth. Every day, The Trevor Project saves young lives through its free and confidential lifeline, in-school workshops, educational materials, online resources and advocacy. For more information, visit www.thetrevorproject.org.
RESOURCES
In Crisis
If you or someone you know is in crisis and is considering suicide call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386.
Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.
The National Association of School Psychologists represents school psychology and supports school psychologists to enhance the learning and mental health of all children and youth.Media and Suicide
Research indicates that the way suicide is reported in the media can contribute to additional suicides and suicide attempts. The following resources provide guidelines on how to talk about the issue in an effective and responsible manner.
GLSEN strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
Recently, there has been heightened media attention surrounding the suicides in New Jersey,Texas, California, Indiana, and Minnesota of several youth who were known to be bullied relentlessly because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
These horrific stories across the country reflect on school bullying culture and how it can lead to tragedy. Such cases are not new, but actually do reveal an important trend: the public is becoming more informed and in tune to the realities that adversely affect our youth. However, it is now up to the public to not just be aware, but to be active in changing this reality.
Groups like the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), and The Trevor Project have been working to educate the public on this issue, and, more importantly create ways for us to put an end to these tragedies.
Through policy efforts to pass legislation like the Safe Schools Improvement Act (HR2262 and S3739), the Claim Your Rights campaign, designed to encourage data collection on incidents that can lead to effective laws, and grassroots programs like suicide helplines such as the Trevor Lifeline - which received more than 29,000 calls from youth looking for help in 2009 alone, safe schools educational opportunities for teachers and school personnel, and support for students themselves in Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) these three groups are offering a 360-degree approach changing the culture of bullying that is connected to many of these youth suicides.
The end to bullying and creating a culture of respect for all isn't a one-step or one-sided effort. It is critical that concerned friends, family and community members know they have the power to take action to help at-risk youth right now. Studies show that when a young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning (LGBTQ) person knows there is an affirming teacher, school nurse, clergy member, or parent they can trust, they are much more likely to turn to them for help when they are bullied or depressed. Similarly, when a school or community has a Gay-Straight Alliance or other affirming and accepting group, young people are less likely to feel isolated and can turn to peers and faculty advisors when they need help. Knowing the warning signs and how to help someone who is suicidal are also key to preventing a suicide crisis.
The horrible instances of school bullying that have led young people to take their own lives reflect the growing need for a change in our culture to value the differences of our youth. That cultural shift must begin now, in communities, schools, and at home by recognizing and addressing the needs of LGBTQ youth, and letting them know they are not alone. It is now up to all of us to make sure it happens.
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization focused on crisis intervention and suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ youth. Every day, The Trevor Project saves young lives through its free and confidential lifeline, in-school workshops, educational materials, online resources and advocacy. For more information, visit www.thetrevorproject.org.
RESOURCES
In Crisis
If you or someone you know is in crisis and is considering suicide call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386.
Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.
- Warning Signs of Suicide
- Risk factors for suicide - who is most likely to be at risk
- What to do - Know the Facts, Recognize Imminent Dangers, Take it Seriously, Be Willing to Listen, Seek Professional Help, Follow-up
The National Association of School Psychologists represents school psychology and supports school psychologists to enhance the learning and mental health of all children and youth.Media and Suicide
Research indicates that the way suicide is reported in the media can contribute to additional suicides and suicide attempts. The following resources provide guidelines on how to talk about the issue in an effective and responsible manner.
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Reporting on Suicide
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center - Safe Reporting on Suicide (PDF)
GLSEN strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
No comments:
Post a Comment