Good to see anti-bullying efforst continue

More than two months ago, two young teenagers within a three-week span in October abruptly ended their lives.

The actions by these two girls, one a freshman in high school and the other finishing up middle school, rocked the Orange Belt.

Everyone was asking the same question, “Why?”

Unfortunately, nobody will ever be able to fully answer that question, but it is believed both were victims of bullying via social media.

Kids can be incredibly cruel and social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter allow bullies the opportunity to taunt 24/7.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year 4,400 students in the U.S. between the ages 10 and 24 commit suicide each year.

As a result of the two local suicides, an anti-bullying forum and rally were held in Porterville before the end of the year.

Everyone in the community vowed to continue the anti-bullying efforts.

It is good to see people are following through as the “Operation Mojo No Bullying Tour” made a stop in Porterville.

The tour stop included Travis Brown, an inspirational speaker who is known for his anti-bullying efforts, speaking to Pioneer Middle School Students earlier this week.

“You have the power to help people, but you also have the power to hurt people,” Brown said to the group.
He encouraged the students to “Mojo Up” — stand up and take a stand against bullying.

Brown also spoke at Vandalia Elementary and Porterville High School.

It does not stop there. Other programs are coming on line or being looked into by school districts across Southeastern Tulare County.

Bullying has been ongoing for centuries, but in today’s social media world it has taken on a new and more dangerous impact. Lessons like the one given by Brown this week are needed, and reminders are needed to curb the cruelty that can be transmitted so fast via social media sites.