October 17 Is Spirit Day To Support LGBTQ Youth
Started in 2010, GLAAD Spirit Day is a way to take a stand against LGBTQ bullying after many LGBTQ teens took their own lives after being bullied. Each October, people, businesses, schools, web pages and celebrities all wear purple to demonstrate their support for LGBT Teens.
Did you know that:
- · Bullying keeps as many as 160,000 kids out of school on any given day for fear of being bullied.
- · Roughly eight out of 10 LGBTQ students experience harassment while at school.
- · 63% report they feel unsafe.
- · 47% of girls are bullied either face-to-face or online. 34% of boys are bullied.
GLAAD, a non-profit organization whose mission is to showcase positive images of LGBTQ people in the media, suggests that everyone show support by wearing purple on October 17. Many people are also turning their profile pictures purple on Facebook and other social media pages. To sign up visit http://glaad.org/spiritday
How Parents Can Prevent Bullying At Home
Spirit Day is just one day a year. Why not bullyproof your children for the entire school year by::
· Having specific discussions with them about what bullying behaviors look like and make sure your kids know these behaviors will not be tolerated in your family.
· Make sure your kids know the effect bullying has on others.
· If your kids see LGBTQ persons being bullied, teach them to intercede, either by themselves or getting an authority figure involved.
· Help your child understand that “different” does not mean less than.Be certain to talk about cyberbullying. Not only is it public and permanent, but the relative anonymity makes kids bolder.
When Your Child Is Gay: What You Need To Know
For more detailed advice, see book, co-authored with a mother of a gay son and a psychiatrist, Jonathan L. Tobkes, M.D.
Posted in anti-bullying, GLAAD, GLAAD Spirit Day, GLBTQ support, org, Parental role in Anti-Bullying
