Suicide contagion is a real and present danger

Something that many people have believed for quite a while now has finally been officially recognized, and it's about time. Researchers in Canada and elsewhere have finally confirmed that irresponsible reporting of suicides can encourage more people - especially at-risk youth - to actually carry out their suicide plan.

It takes all kinds to make a world.

I've had my faith restored at times, but never quite like this. Life was looking a little glum a few days ago, it was that time of year again. Steven would have been twenty on the 24th, and even though it's been seven years (already!), the day is still painful. Then came some horrible news - our daughter was being bullied on the city bus.

Dear Steven

Another year has come and gone so fast. It sounds strange saying you'd be twenty this week buddy. I can't even imagine what you'd look like at that age, but I think you would have been a good man. You always looked out for your big sister, and tried to make her world a little better. She could use your help now, she's been bullied on the bus like so many other kids, and bystanders have done nothing to stop it.

Justice for victims cannot happen if we remain silent.

The tragic news out of Nova Scotia this week of Rehtaeh Parsons' horrifying ordeal caused a public outcry when it was discovered that the police had decided there was not enough evidence to find her rapists. They now say they will not accept evidence from #OpJustice4Rataeh. Why not? Can the RCMP not confirm the truth? If Rehtaeh were your daughter wouldn't you at least TRY?

A never ending cycle, unless we stop it.

Depression and suicide are only two of the possible results of a child being bullied severely. Another way some kids respond is to turn to bullying other kids. Every time this happens, the cycle of bullying is strengthened. In today's world, the number of virtual bystanders amplifies the victims' pain and shame to levels uncommon before the social media explosion changed our culture. We must find a way to discourage kids from wanting to join in on the abuse.

Pink Shirt Day is April 10th!

April 10th is Pink Shirt Day. Don't forget to wear pink to show your support! 

His Name Was Steven supports Speak Out, a student run initiative to end school bullying!

"The visual power of the Pink T-shirt goes beyond just dressing yourself in the morning. By wearing a Pink T-shirt you show your support for a world with out bullying. You are SPEAKING OUT against an issue that effects each and every single person in some way. In addition to wearing pink, everyone is encouraged to SPEAK OUT for those who otherwise feel voiceless. The Pink shirt campaign originates from NOVA SCOTIA where two senior students SPOKE OUT to help a junior student" ~ Alix Vander Vlugt, founder and director of Speak Out.

HNWS has been supporting and supported by Speak Out for several years now. Alix's determination to do something about bullying in our schools was partially inspired by the suicide of my son, Steven Donald James Urry. It all began when I was asked to participate in Alix's award winning documentary. By organizing students across Canada to Speak Out in defense of victims, Speak Out has become a major force for good in our schools. Working with other organizations and the media, they "strive to raise awareness, strengthen communities and foster positive relationships with our network."

We CAN make a difference by voicing our opposition to the kind of violent behaviour that cost my son and so many other victims their lives!

The age of therapy and narcissism.

In today's world, it seems just about anything unpleasant that may occur in life is a reason to get therapy. Recently in the news, there was a story about a seven year old boy who was suspended from school for threatening use of a pastry. He decided to sculpt his Pop Tart^® into a mountain, but the offending dessert ended up resembling a gun. His teacher, in a shining example of modern educational professionalism, rather than admire his creativity, lost her temper and sent the lad to the principal. The principal in turn responded in the only accepted politically correct way by suspending the lad.

If the school won't help your child

Your child's school is legally responsible to keep records and respond to bullying incidents. Don't let them ignore your child's problems. If they will not respond appropriately, there are steps you can take to get action.The following is some useful advice I have given to many parents...

Politics as usual won't do it.

It's so nice to see politicians falling all over each other to respond to the "new" phenomenon of cyberbullying. If only they had discovered it earlier. Do you remember when you first heard the term? Was it 2010? 2008? How about 2006? As far back as that year, scholars that study social phenomena and public policy had already identified the issue and realized that bullying had evolved into something new, and something more serious.

What's wrong with our schools?

This article refers to schools in Ontario, Canada, but many of the same issues exist in schools elsewhere. Somehow, we've created an education system that is not working for a lot of kids. From administrators that won't admit there's a problem, to teachers that won't respond to incidents, to boards that won't listen to parents, the system has become dysfunctional.