ANTI Bully Activism

In the wake of the Amanda Todd tragedy, singer/songwriter Jason G. Ridge felt compelled to write a song to raise awareness and help in the fight against bullying. He then contacted me to join forces to create a content filled project. We met three weeks ago, and agreed to work together and strike quickly to get this song and message out to the world. We both believe greatly in this cause, and we’re excited to release Jason’s single “Heartbeat”, our official music video, behind the scenes video and our public service announcement. 

We’re proud of what we’ve brought to fruition in this short three-week span, from the recording studio, to the final upload of our music video. To be able to release this during Anti-Bullying week is amazing. We’d love it if you would take the time to watch our videos, and if you are interested, purchase the single (part of the proceeds will be donated to Kids Help Phone – Canada). 

Links
Music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJAfmn1b6Wo
Buy the single: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jasongridge *part of the proceeds go to Kids Help Phone (Canada)
Behind the scenes video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA3MYVf9ZFc
Public Service Announcement: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0exyV9k-AoA
Jason’s Blog Post for the project: http://www.intaerim.com/jason-g-ridge-heartbeat/

Not bad for two Chatham-Kent residents (Merlin and Blenheim to be exact). No one should have to live their life in fear, let’s put an end to bullying, once, and for all.

If you’re interested in doing an article, or interviewing Jason and I, simply email me at wade_vermeersch@hotmail.com or call me at 519-809-5523!

Well Done!

Mike

TV Host bullied For being Overweight

TV host hits back over weight ‘bullying’

An overweight TV news presenter has responded publicly to a viewer’s criticism of her figure, calling him a "bully" in a four-minute speech on air that has gone viral online.

Jennifer Livingston said she thought nothing of the email at first but then thought of her daughters who could take such criticism personally.

The Wisconsin anchorwoman for WKBT-TV did not identify the man, who wrote that he was surprised to see her physical condition had not improved for years. He also told her he hopes she doesn’t consider herself a suitable example for young people.


Mike Bogdanski
America's ANTI Bully
860-315-0205

Facebook ANTI Bully Feature

To Facebook users, it seems there’s always a new feature popping up on the site.
But the latest change has a serious aim. The social media site has launched efforts to help kids tackle online bullying.

The new addition allows teens to report mean or threatening posts by simply clicking “This is a problem.”  Facebook teamed up with Yale, Columbia and Berkley Universities to create the tool.
It’s aimed at 13 and 14 year olds, the minimum age for a user on the site, and will replace the old “Report” link.

Clicking the new button takes users through a questionnaire to rank their emotions and determine how serious the problem is.  Users then get a list of suggestions on how to resolve the issue based on how serious the complaint is.  Depending on the situation, users can be prompted to send pre-written messages to their aggressor or to get help from a friend or adult.

There are also links to professionals for those who may be feeling suicidal.  Kids spend much of their time online and cyber bullying is a growing problem.  That’s why the tool’s developers say Facebook wants to help younger users develop better ways to communicate their feelings.
The tool is currently in its test phase and is available to some users. It will be available to all Facebook users here in the U.S. later this week.

Captain McFinn and Friends

captainmcfinn.com

As an international ANTI Bully activist I am constantly looking for ways to educate children about bullying after I visit their schools. I believe that children need a regular inoculation in anti bully education. In the last several years I have done more and more elementary school presentations than I have in the past and found that quality elementary school level books were lacking.

Until now.

Phylis Cafaro and Esther Buschau blow me away with the Captain McFinn and Friends book series. My first impression of the books is the quality and vividness of the colors and the characters. The McFinn and friends have "real" personality as she draws them and they come alive with the art. The undersea kingdom theme gives a real adventure flavor to the book. My most favorite part of the book was the concept of "turning bullies into buddies". Using virtue as their guide, the targets "save" the bully and turn him into a HERO. Well Done Captain McFinn.

Can't wait for for more adventures and more music!

Mike Bogdanski
America's ANTI Bully
 860-315-0205 Putnam, CT

Tips For Parents

This is a trailer for the documentary “Bully,” which was released last month and has garnered much national attention. While many people have an understandable tendency to dismiss bullying as just being a part of growing up, it is important for all of us to understand that bullying behavior in the 21st century is no longer limited to school hallways and playgrounds. Rather, the increase in popularity for social media sites like Facebook and Twitter have made so-called
“cyber bullying” an additional way for victims to be harassed and abused.

I bring this issue up because it is important for parents to understand that they need to become involved when their child has become a victim of bullying. A New Jersey school board recently agreed to a $4.2 million settlement with a former student six years after a punch from a bully resulted in the student being paralyzed. While the board of education in that incident did not admit liability, the family of the paralyzed student was able to demonstrate that school officials knew or should have known about the attacker’s violent tendencies.

That case demonstrates the importance of documenting all conversations a parent attempts to have with school officials regarding bullying. Parents cannot be afraid to take action when a child is being repeatedly bullied. It is perfectly appropriate to contact the authorities if there is any kind of physical assault, and you should speak to a lawyer if teachers or school administrators seem dismissive or unconcerned with the issue.

While bullying has long been treated as just being another “part of life,” more and more cases of this behavior around the nation are resulting in catastrophic injuries or even deaths. Parents must still maintain the greatest protective role. It is important for all of us to become involved so we can hopefully prevent any more unnecessary injuries or deaths resulting from bullying.

ANTI Bully T Shirts

Dana Dorsheimer 

Hey Mike,

I hope your doing well. I found your anti-bullying blog online and wanted to share with you information about a really great ANTI-bullying campaign. Online t-shirt design company CustomInk and national anti-bullying program STOMP™ Out Bullying are partnering to encourage students around the country to take a stand against bullying by designing and wearing custom anti-bullying t-shirts. Kids will wear the shirts on October 3rd, BLUE SHIRT DAY™- WORLD DAY OF BULLYING PREVENTION and throughout the month of October, which is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month.

• Kids and adults a like are encouraged to go to CustomInk's website and design their anti-bullying message for a T-shirt. Their shirts will be showcased on CustomInk's online gallery (www.customink.com/stopbullying).
  
  I think this campaign would be a great fit for your blog as another avenue to allow kids and parents to speak out and take a stand against bullying.
  
  I've attached (who knew facebook allowed this) the press release that outlines the details.
  
  I'd love to hear your feedback. I can be reached by email at dana.dorsheimer@warschawski.com or by phone at 410-367-2700 ext 19.
  
  Cheers,
  Dana
  • Be Good to Each Other Press Release 9 15.docx

Meet Hank Hanky- bully advice

There is an animated series on YOUTUBE called Ask Hank in which a cartoon character Hank Hanky answers questions from the audience.  Check out his tips on bullying

Click here to view