Phoebe Prince inFocus

Thanks everyone for tuning into WWLP Channel 22's the inFocus program Sunday between 2:00 – 4:00 PM. It was a great show and Joe the Biker was center stage. Channel 22 gave the Say NO To Bullying Today program some good exposure.

I also had an opportunity to talk to another panel guest who was an attorney. It appears that the Hampshire District Attorney's office will have its challenges to prove their case. The violation of civil rights has to do with stopping someone from getting an education due to the race. Being Irish is the foundation of their argument. It will be interesting to see where this one goes.

There were substantial discussions of the responsibility of the school. Allegations indicate the school knew at least three weeks prior to Phoebe's death and refused to take any steps to resolve the issue. The school administration now reports that they knew only a week before the incident and didn't have time to intervene. It was the general consensus of audience that if in fact the school administration knew of the bullying - it was incumbent upon them to take action and should be held accountable. The school administration was negligent in keeping Phoebe save during school hours.

Stay tune as the momentum builds. There is a school committee meeting scheduled for tomorrow night in South Hadley and I hear the community will demand for the resignation of certain administrators.

It is about time

I am happy to hear that DA Scheibel announced that she is charging six teenagers and three juvenile students in connection with the death of Phoebe Prince, the South Hadley teenager who took her life in response to constant harassment and bullying. The DA is sending a message that bullying will not be tolerated. Finally!

Students, parents and the community at large have to understand that words and actions do have a negative impact on the health of another causing psychological and in this case physical harm. People have to learn that they are responsible and accountable for what they do, especially if it causes damage to someone.

Schools also have to be responsible for protecting and safeguarding our children. It is their obligation to act upon all reports of bullying and proceed with a thorough investigation especially if it is witnessed by members of the school's staff and teachers. It is imperative for schools to create a sense of community at their facility where each member is protected and guaranteed the right to be safe.

We have to make sure that students, parents and school administrators are accountable for their actions and work together as a team to develop an atmosphere of inclusiveness and acceptance.

The Yubbie Foundation is dedicated to educating students, parents, teachers and administrators on the long term effects of bullying and how to create a sense of community at their schools.

Call Me Yubbie my new book release talks about the impact of bullying on a young man and the ways he tried to cope. He too thought of ending his life. My book is fiction but is in part based on true events that occurred in my life. Unlike Phoebe's story Call Me Yubbie has a positive outcome. I understand what Phoebe felt and feel vindicated that someone has finally decided to take action.