Washington, D.C., United States (AHN) – The First Couple on Thursday hosted a White House conference on school bullying noting that all Americans including “parents and students, teachers and communities” and people in general are responsible to stop children from being threatened or intimidated by their peers.
Outlining “the goal of this conference,” President Barack Obama said, “It’s to dispel the myth that bullying is just a harmless rite of passage or an inevitable part of growing up. It’s not.”
“Bullying can have destructive consequences for our young people. And it’s not something we have to accept,” said Obama, adding, “We can take steps that will help prevent bullying and create a climate in our schools in which all of our children can feel safe.”
Citing his personal example, Obama said his big ears and unusual name made him a target: “I wasn’t immune. I didn’t emerge unscathed,” noting that bullying is frequently targeted as “kids that are perceived as different,” from the color of their skin to sexual orientation.”
On the attendees comprising of about 150 students, parents, and teachers, who discussed their experiences and possible ways to prevent bullying moving forward, Obama said, “No family should have to go through what these families have gone through,” adding, “No child should feel that alone.”
“As parents, this issue really hits home for us. It breaks our hearts to think that any child feels afraid every day in the classroom, on the playground, or even online,” First Lady Michelle Obama said. “I hope that all of you – and everyone watching online – will walk away from this conference with new ideas and solutions that you can take back to your own schools and communities.”
The White House also highlighted private, non-profit, and federal commitments to bullying prevention including from Facebook, MTV, Formspring, a social network and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The National Education Association (NEA) launched a nationwide online anti-bullying campaign entitled Bully-Free: It Starts with Me, to identify and support caring adults in each school who will listen and act on behalf of bullied students in schools across America.
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is launching a national bullying campaign, See a Bully, Stop a Bully. Make a Difference, focused on raising bullying awareness and providing resources, training, and technical assistance for leaders and members.
In addition to different programs from various organizations, the Department of Education noted that federal funds are available for interventions in those schools identified as having the greatest need.
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