Jade's Story

I came across this video after one of our babes posted it on Facebook. I cried. I felt sick. It has since haunted me. I felt deeply saddened. Then mad. Then confused. Then feeling as if I should do something.

Jade chose a You Tube video to express her torment. Her torment at the hands of bullies who called her names and made her feel hated, isolated and intensely sad.

She killed herself 3 days after posting the video. How do those bullies feel now?

I hope they feel like shit. I hope they never bully again. I \ hope that everyone who hears Jade’s story will think twice before bullying.

And yes, bullying means calling someone a mean name. Bullying means excluding someone. Bullying is being a hater. BULLYING NEEDS TO STOP. Making fun of someone. Calling someone names. It may seem like nothing but it is EVERYTHING to the person it is directed at. Words can kill. That’s was Jade’s message.

I was sad that this beautiful girl was made to feel worthless and hated. I was sad that she had no-one to share her torment with. I thought she was so brave to have made this video to try to get people to understand just how bad bullying can make someone feel.

It made me question why is there so much meanness out there?

We live in a world where haters is a term! We live in a world where cutting and suicide in teens is becoming increasingly common! We live in a world where bullies are killing kids with their words and actions.

I wish Jade had someone who could have been there to stick up for her. It made me want to do something to help girls like Jade? There are multiple anti-bullying campaigns out there but yet bullying still exists. So what do we do?

It has to start with us. Each and every person who wants to banish bullying can help.

Bullies by their nature get power from belittling someone and hence making themselves feel more powerful. They pick on kids who tend to not have a strong support network. If you see someone being bullied, Stop and Stick up for the victims. It doesn't have to mean confronting the bully, as I get that can be scary....you could end up being their next victim. But, maybe it’s as simple as offering words of support or encouragement …letting them know that you are on their side and there for them…that is a big thing. If that person can feel as if they are not alone, it may make them stronger and not so isolated.

So, next time you see someone being bullied take the time to show that person that you care by simple words of support. Don’t be a bystander to bullying by laughing or joining in on the bully's antics.

Share Jade’s story with your friends. For those who bully …it may just make them rethink what they do. For those who are bullied…it just may make them feel that you get them and that you are reaching out to tell them you care and you want to be there for them.

I wish I could do more for those who are made to feel so alone and sad because of bullying. If any of you have any ideas….let’s talk about it. Lets share ideas …maybe, just maybe by talking and sharing we can make the change on bullying. We can only try…