Category: Bullying

Cyberbullying and AI: How Artificial Intelligence Enables Online Harassment

Posted on by Kay Hall

Artificial Intelligence is changing our world for the better as it’s now being used to advance transportation, assist researchers to develop cures for illnesses, and provide scientists with relevant data to make important discoveries. However, many consider AI to be a double-edged sword. Though it comes with multiple benefits, there’s also the fact that it has the potential to harm mankind. Most people fear that AI is not only causing a decline in human skill development, but it’s also being used to spread false or malicious information to tarnish a person’s reputation.

There has been much concern about deepfakes, which are images, videos, or audios that have been edited or generated with AI. According to a recent study, one in 10 teenagers aged 13 to 17 said that they personally know someone who has been a target of deepfake imagery, while one in 17 have been targets themselves. AI has made deepfake creation so easy and accessible, and it’s why it’s now being widely used to shame or harass people, especially teenagers. Being a deepfake target can be traumatizing, but there are things that you can do to reduce the risks of becoming a victim. Here’s how artificial intelligence enables online harassment, and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming a target.

AI to Generate Explicit Photos and Videos

Some AI-generated content can be highly deceiving since they look very real, to the point that it has become nearly impossible to distinguish between what’s real and what’s fake. Apart from an increase in fake content, there has also been a rise in the number of fake, AI-generated startups circulating online. Since cybercriminals are using AI to make a quick buck, some entrepreneurs have learned to use better RFP processes to reduce the risks presented by fake startups. But aside from the business sector, schools are also being targeted by people making false content, and it’s become highly prevalent in various parts of the world.

A disturbing trend is taking over schools as teenagers are using AI technology to create fake nude images and videos of female students. In South Korea, there have been reports of students using deepfake technology to combine a real person’s face with a fake body engaged in a sex act. These videos have been making the rounds in dozens of chat groups on the Telegram app. In an interview with BBC, South Korean journalist Ko Narin said that some of these chat groups had more than 2,000 members. “Every minute people were uploading photos of girls they knew and asking them to be turned into deepfakes,” Ko added.

Being part of a nude or porn scandal brought about by deepfaking can be devastating. Too often, the victim is targeted by bullies or people who want to extort money in exchange for not spreading the videos or content. Sadly, most victims choose to stay silent, even if they’re living one of their worst nightmares.

AI to Create Audio and ‘Lip Syncing’ Deepfakes

It has become the norm to cite videos as proof that someone has done or said something. But what if a cyberbully manipulated the video in such a way to make it seem like a person is saying hurtful, hateful, or malicious things? This is now possible due to audio deepfake and lip synching technology wherein generative AI is used to clone someone’s voice.

Once that’s done, the voice can be made to say anything that the cyberbully wants. The vocal recording is then incorporated into a video, making it seem like the person is speaking the recorded words. The final step involves uploading the video to social media, school or office messaging apps, and other websites to create a hate train against the person in the video and incite online and offline bullying.

How to Avoid Becoming a Deepfake Target

The way AI is being used to create explicit or malicious content is a cause for concern. Although victims can say that the images or videos are fake, it can’t undo the damage that deepfakes can cause. Apart from emotional and psychological distress, deepfakes can tear families apart, and they can ruin personal relationships and trust. So what should you do to avoid becoming a deepfake target?

Being careful with what you share online is the first step to protect yourself and your loved ones from deepfaking. Adjust the settings of your social media profiles to control who sees your content, and as much as possible, avoid uploading high resolution photos and videos to prevent cyberbullies from grabbing them. You may also want to put a digital watermark on all your media content before uploading them to prevent deepfake creators from using them.

Be extremely cautious when using your devices. If you receive a phone call from an unknown number and you’re being forced to stay on the line, hang up immediately. That person could be recording your voice to create an audio deepfake. Never click on suspicious links from unfamiliar text messages or email addresses, and keep your software up to date. It’s also a good idea to choose strong and unique passwords for all your accounts as an added layer of protection.

Deepfakes present new challenges in the fight against disinformation and cyberbullying. If you or a loved one is a victim of deepfake content, consult legal and cyber experts to know your rights and find the perpetrator. Don’t hesitate to take action as soon as possible to prevent AI-generated content and cyberbullies from hurting people and destroying lives.

“Stand Up & Speak Out!”: More Shows Scheduled For Anti-Bullying Musical

Posted on by Kay Hall

Exciting news — “Stand Up & Speak Out!”, the anti-bullying musical created by Emmy-nominated composer, Jill Nesi, is set for an extended run. After its successful debut last October, the musical will return to once again delight audiences at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Connecticut — as has been recently hinted on the musical’s official Instagram account. “Stand Up & Speak Out!” tells a “full-circle” story of bullying from multiple perspectives, including the person bullied and the bully. At its core, the musical promotes a healing message of empathy and understanding in an effort to help put an end to the country’s bullying epidemic.

A new perspective on bullying 

The musical is suitable for students in third grade and up, although it’s primarily aimed at middle school students (between 11-14 years olds) — which is the age group most affected by bullying. Although bullying unfortunately is still prevalent in high school and beyond, children are less likely to experience this sort of abuse the older they get. Middle school age is therefore the perfect time for children to see the musical and gain a fresh perspective on bullying. They’re also ultimately encouraged to rethink their actions in everyday life. In fact, after the musical’s first run, children, including those who had previously bullied others, left the theater empowered to make positive changes in how they treat others.

The musical also lets students know that no matter what they may be going through, they never need to feel alone. Any child currently affected by bullying should confide in a trusted adult, particularly if they feel like they want to harm themselves. This message is so important as just over 50% of students being bullied actually tell an adult about it.

Empathy to end bullying

After students saw “Stand Up & Speak Out!” last year, teachers said they consequently had better conversations with students on the importance of empathy and the need to treat others with respect and kindness. Empathy — the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand how they feel — is a vital social-emotional skill everyone needs to cultivate to help stop bullying and form healthier relationships based on mutual respect. Recent research shows that young people with the ability to easily empathize with others are usually more likely to come to the defense of those being bullied, whereas those with low levels of empathy tend to either be bullies or silent bystanders. The musical provides teachers, therapists, and guidance counselors with a mutual basis to launch important empathy-based conversations with students and families on the topic of bullying.

More family fun in Old Saybrook

Although dates have yet to be announced, “Stand Up & Speak Out!” will be shown at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (known as the Kate) in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. As you can guess, the performing arts center is named after the iconic Hollywood actress who considered Old Saybrook her one true home. If you have some free time before or after the musical and want to make a day of it, Old Saybrook offers numerous other family-friendly activities for you to enjoy. For example, the Kate often hosts education programs for children that feature a mix of art, music, theater, and dance to help students develop their creative potential.

Alternatively, Saybrook Point Resort & Marina is another popular attraction for families. You don’t have to book a stay at the resort to explore the beautiful marina and enjoy the beautiful ocean views. Ospreys, bald eagles, herons, and Canadian geese are just some of the wonderful bird species you can see from the boardwalk. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll also spot dolphins and seals. Watching wildlife in their natural habitat can also help children develop greater respect and appreciation for all living things. This is another way children can develop empathy, and lays the groundwork for them to develop healthier, compassion-based relationships with their peers.

A musical on a mission to end bullying, “Stand Up & Speak Out!” is a must-watch for students of all ages. Its message of empathy is a powerful one, which leaves a permanent impression on viewers. Stay tuned for further updates.

Combating Workplace Bullying Of People With Criminal Records

Posted on by Kay Hall

Most people would agree that everyone deserves a second chance, but what happens when someone has a criminal past? For the 70 million US adults with a criminal record, leaving their past behind and moving on with their lives can be an enormous challenge, particularly when it comes to employment. While workplace bullying can affect anyone, unfair assumptions and outdated stereotypes often mean that people with criminal records endure discrimination and harassment. However, when companies take a stand against workplace bullying and embrace the benefits of second chances, they can build a much stronger and more inclusive workplace for everyone.

Challenges of Finding Employment With A Criminal Past

Many people find having a criminal record can hold them back from getting on with their lives. For many, finding a job can be a huge uphill battle, even if their offense was a misdemeanor and they’ve long since fulfilled their justice system obligations. Some employers automatically disqualify applicants with criminal histories, causing many people to fail at the first hurdle. Fortunately, there are companies like Penn Jersey Building Services that are actively helping people with records find secure employment. Alongside employment opportunities for people with criminal histories, they also provide ongoing mentorship, training, and support to help them build their skills and become valuable members of the workforce. These companies provide hope for those who’ve paid their debts to society and have their sights set on rebuilding their lives and making positive contributions to their community.

The Impact Of Having a Criminal Record In The Workplace

Finding stable employment is only the first hurdle for people with a criminal record. A criminal past carries a significant stigma that can make it hard for people to settle into a new job, especially if their history becomes widely known. Some people perceive a criminal record as a reflection of someone’s character, trustworthiness or competence, even if they don’t know what the offense was. Many people with a criminal record can find themselves facing verbal abuse, exclusion from team activities, discrimination and the subject of malicious gossip and rumor. This can understandably take a serious toll on a person’s confidence, emotional well-being, and job performance, causing them to distrust others, take frequent absences from work, quit their job, and even start offending again. It can also create an unpleasant and hostile work environment for everyone.

What Can You Do If You Are Bullied At Work?

No one should have to endure bullying at work. If your colleagues find out about your past and you find yourself being bullied, harassed or discriminated against because of it, don’t suffer in silence. After all, you have the right to be treated fairly and respectfully just like any other employee. Log all instances of bullying, including location, dates, times and the type of behavior and what was said If you feel safe and confident to do so, you can speak to the individuals directly to let them know that their behavior is unacceptable and ask them to stop. You should also report it to your manager (or their superior if your manager is responsible for the bullying) or HR. Explain the situation and how it’s affecting you and your work and the impact on your other colleagues, if appropriate. Make sure you also look after your emotional well-being too, especially if you feel anxious, stressed, or depressed.

The Role Of Employees In Tackling Bullying

Employers can not only stop the bullying of people with criminal records but actively prevent it from happening in the first place. This starts with implementing clear anti-bullying policies that outline specific examples of unacceptable behavior, such as harassment or discrimination based on criminal history, derogatory jokes or gossiping about someone’s past. This should also include a clear step-by-step guide for reporting bullying and how these reports are dealt with. All employees should be aware of these policies, which can be reinforced through diversity and management training programs. Creating a culture of open communication where employees can report issues or suggest improvements through anonymous feedback tools or open floor meetings is also important. This allows staff to share concerns while also promoting accountability and transparency across the business.

No employee should ever experience bullying at work, even if they have a criminal past. Employers should take swift action to curb any bullying or discrimination while also boosting awareness of the value and skills people with criminal records bring to the workplace.

Stand for the Silent Inspires Schools Nationwide to Embrace Kindness

Posted on by Stand For The Silent

The New Year is a chance for schools and communities to be inspired to make changes. If there’s one thing we all agree, it needs more kindness. Stand for the Silent is one organization on a mission to help schools nationwide embrace kindness and create an atmosphere that embodies it going forward. They are not only inspiring them to do it, but they are also providing them with the tools, motivation, and insight to help make it happen.

We are happy to play a role in helping communities and schools around the country create kinder atmospheres. When you focus on doing that, there’s no place left for bullying, and everyone feels better.

—Kirk Smalley, co-founder of Stand for the Silent.

Most people want to be happy in life, and one of the best ways to help others achieve happiness is to be kind. Not only does the person on the receiving end of kindness benefit but so does the person exhibiting the kind behavior. A research study published in The Journal of Social Psychology reports the findings from a seven-day kindness study. They report that performing acts of kindness boosts happiness and well-being. What’s more, even those who merely observed the acts of kindness also had a boost in their happiness.

Schools that make a point to create an atmosphere of kindness will help increase happiness among students and staff and decrease bullying, among other benefits. Here are some ways that schools can help embrace kindness in the New Year:

  • Make the announcement. Let the students know that the New Year also brings a new atmosphere, one of kindness. If possible, hold a seminar to kick off the new vibe. By setting intentions, people will be inspired and informed.
  • Be the example. It’s easy to say, but this is an important one. People need to start modeling the behavior they want to see spread throughout their school.
  • Reward the good. Rather than always looking to punish due to unwanted behavior, turn the focus more often to rewarding the good behavior. Catch and reward students showing acts of kindness. Teaching kids to be more generous, for example, will also increase happiness, according to research published in Nature Communications. They report that volunteering one’s time is a generous act that can increase happiness.
  • Hold contests. Throughout the year, hold a few contests that get students involved in sharing what it means to be kind. Students could enter contests that involve drawing, singing, poetry, and even performing. The school could host a kindness talent show or publish artistic entries where visitors can see them.
  • Create a kindness club. Most schools have different kinds of clubs, giving students things they can get involved in. Schools can create a kindness club, allowing members to come up with kind things to do monthly around school. Whether it involves volunteering or creating kindness cards to anonymously hand out, all will contribute to a kinder culture.
  • Teach kids to be kind to themselves. Many kids consistently speak negatively about themselves. To create a kinder atmosphere, kids need to start first with being kinder to themselves. Talk to them about not being so hard on themselves and treating themselves with compassion.

“We have programs in place to help kick off a kindness campaign at the school and to help reward students,” added Smalley. “Let’s all work together to make this the year that we help our schools become what we want them to be, which is kinder.”

Whether at school or in the community, it is wise to work to create a kinder culture. According to the American Psychological Association, being kind is good for our physical and mental health. They report that even small acts of kindness boost the person doing them, the one receiving them, and the bystanders who observe them. Such things as opening a door for others, for example, can go a long way toward boosting happiness in those in the area.

Their Student Stand Out program encourages teachers to nominate students who stand out, display excellent behavior, and lead by example. Every week throughout the school year, Stand for the Silent will choose one of the nominated students to receive a $50 Visa gift card. At the end of each semester, one student will be selected to win a $100 Visa gift card. There will be two nomination periods, August 1 to December 1 and then from January 1 to April 1. Teachers can nominate as many students as they feel have earned the recognition. For more information about the Student Stand out program, visit the site at: https://standforthesilent.org/schools/standout

Creating Safe School Events: How To Prevent Bullying During Prom Season

Posted on by Kay Hall

Prom is a rite of passage for teenagers, and for many people, this semi-formal school event brings back memories of dressing up in fancy clothes and having a good time with friends. While most teens have a good time during prom season, there are others who only have bad memories about it because of the bullying that they experienced on what should have been a happy occasion. Some think that bullying at school dances only happens in the movies, but many teens are harassed, cruelly pranked, or even physically assaulted in real-life proms.

Take for instance the case of Emilee Perry, a student from Doncaster, England, who had to leave her prom earlier than she planned because another girl who she thought was her friend poured an entire jug of punch over her head. Although the girl was asked to leave, Emilee didn’t feel like celebrating anymore so she called her mom to pick her up. Every teen deserves to enjoy their prom night, so making the school or event space a no-bullying zone should be a priority. Here’s how students, parents, and teachers can prevent bullying during prom season.

Keep Prom Plans Off Social Media

Some bullies will go on social media to keep tabs on their victims so they can scheme about what they can do to them on prom night, or even prevent them from attending. If you know that your child is already being bullied in school, advise them to stay off social media while preparing for the occasion. Bullies have a way of using every little bit of information to hurt their victims, so the less they know about your child’s plans, the better. For instance, your teenager may be planning to post pictures of the dress or suit that they just got. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, there’s a possibility that some students will want to bring them down by posting snarky or demeaning comments on their fashion choices, no matter how classy or stylish they are.

To keep their confidence and mood up, encourage them to take an Instagram or Facebook break before prom, and advise them not to tell anyone about their plans. To help them look and feel good for the big night, let them choose a prom gown designed to make an impression, and get them the right shoes and accessories to finish off the look. You may also want to treat your child and bring them to a salon to get their hair and makeup done by a professional. The goal is to keep them happy and engaged during the preparation process so they can turn up at prom in the right headspace while looking their best.

Never Let Them Go to Prom Alone

If your child doesn’t have any school friends to go to prom with, don’t let them go by themselves. If they’re allowed to bring a guest, ask an outgoing, same-age relative or family friend to go with them so they have someone to talk to and have fun with. Having someone with them may also deter bullies from picking on your child since they usually go for those who are alone, perceiving them to be an easy target. See to it that they arrive safely by driving them to school or the event venue.

Volunteer as a Prom Chaperone

Prom chaperones are parents or family members who volunteer to keep everything running smoothly during the big night. While some of their responsibilities include helping students deal with wardrobe malfunctions and providing directions around the venue, they can also be a big help to prevent any kind of bullying from taking place at prom. They can keep an eye on a student’s behavior and step in if the situation calls for it, so if you want to protect your teen and others from being bullied, consider volunteering as a chaperone.

It’s difficult for just one or two people to keep an eye on everyone, so if you’re a teacher, encourage more parents to volunteer as chaperones. Before the event begins, brief parents on what to do if someone tries to bully a student so they can have a unified approach as chaperones, and act accordingly if someone gets harassed or physically assaulted. If they have witnessed the bullying incident in its entirety, ask them to provide details so that the school can take action, do a thorough investigation, and enforce anti-bullying policies.

All teenagers should have a happy and memorable experience on prom night. Consider these tips to prevent bullying during prom season, and help teens to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime special event.

Tips to Protect Kids from Bullying During the Holidays and Into the New Year

Posted on by Stand For The Silent

With families gearing up for holiday break that will lead into the New Year, bullying may be the last thing on their minds. They may assume the risks of bullying will decline during this time, giving them a much-needed break from the issue. However, the research shows that isn’t the case, as many kids are bullied when school is on break, making it a great time to focus on what can be done to help prevent and address the situation now, during break and into the New Year when school resumes.

“Unfortunately, bullying doesn’t take a break when the schools do. The good news is that there are things that can be done to help address it and prevent it from happening.”  – Kirk Smalley, co-founder of Stand for the Silent

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bullying is a type of violence that youth experience and it can happen in person and through technology. They report that it is widespread in America and causes harm. The more we can do to help prevent and address it during breaks and when school resumes, the better our youth will be.

Bullying in person takes place in school and during break, but youth are also subject to being bullied via technology during break, called cyberbullying. While they may use their technology devices all of the time, there is often an increase in usage during school breaks, making cyberbullying more possible. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 22% of all youth ages 12-18 who report having been bullied experienced cyberbullying, either online or by text.

Here are some tips to help protect kids from bullying during the holidays and once they had back in the New Year:

  • Prevention. Taking steps to prevent bullying in the first place is crucial. The CDC recommends teaching kids safe and effective ways to stand up against bullying and to enhance their interpersonal skills, such as empathy and conflict management. 
  • Get the community involved. Making anti-bullying a goal of the community will help strengthen the force against it. Communities can get involved by having a campaign, providing information to people about it, and raising awareness. Offer some examples of bullying and what can be done if and when they recognize it in the community.
  • Create policies. Schools, winter break programs and camps, and other places where kids hang out during the breaks should have clear policies in place regarding bullying. They should also include the consequences if the policy is violated, and then immediate action should be taken when bullying takes place. The sooner it is addressed, the fewer incidents that are likely to occur.
  • Focus on positivity. Many kids go to winter break camps and childcare centers during break. It’s important for these places to instill a positive climate. The same goes for schools, which can focus on this prior to break and when school resumes in January.
  • Make surfing safer. To help prevent online bullying, parents can take some measures that include managing online usage through a parental control app, setting screen time limits, blocking access to inappropriate content, etc. Kids should also be taught what cyberbullying is and what to do if they encounter it, such as blocking it, reporting it, and if need be, contacting the police.
  • Watch for signs. Parents and caregivers should watch for the signs that a child is being bullied, whether online or in person. They include stopping using all technology devices, being secretive about being on their phone or computer, and losing interest in or avoiding usual activities.
  • Asking open ended questions. Parents can gain information about if a child is being bullied by asking open ended questions and avoiding over-reacting to their responses. By supporting the child and validating their feelings they will help them gain trust in being able to report the issue.
  • Teach self defense. The holiday break is a great time to get kids actively learning how to defend themselves. Most of the time, bullies pick on those they feel are weak and will not fight back. Check with local martial arts centers for winter break martial arts camps and self defense classes, and teach kids how to be more assertive in standing up to bullies.
  • Provide proper training. Teachers and school staff want to help address bullying, but they may not always know how to go about doing so. Provide proper training for them, which will offer practical strategies for preventing and responding to conflict resolution, recognizing bullying, etc.
  • Get more info. Parents, teachers, and community members can get more valuable information on how to address bullying on all levels from Stand for the Silent. They offer a cyberbullying handbook and additional tools.

“We can take steps to get ahead of bullying before it becomes an issue. We are always happy and willing to help any school, community, or other entity to address the issue and help create a kinder environment.” – Kirk Smalley

Bullying Prevention Strategies: A Guide for High School Teachers

Posted on by Stand For The Silent

Bullying is a pervasive issue that can negatively impact students’ mental health, academic success, and overall well-being. As high school teachers, you play a vital role in identifying and addressing bullying in your classrooms and schools. With proactive strategies, you can create a safer and more inclusive environment for all students. Below are practical, evidence-based approaches to bullying prevention tailored to your role.

1. Foster a Positive Classroom Culture

A strong classroom culture sets the tone for respectful interactions. Start by establishing clear expectations for behavior and promoting values like kindness, inclusion, and empathy. Celebrate diversity and encourage open discussions about differences, emphasizing that every student is valued and respected. Incorporate these messages into your lesson plans and classroom bulletin boards about bullying prevention.

To further reinforce positive behavior, incorporate social-emotional learning (SEL) into your curriculum. SEL equips students with skills like empathy, communication, and conflict resolution, reducing the likelihood of bullying incidents.

2. Recognize the Signs of Bullying

Bullying can take many forms, including physical, verbal, social, and cyberbullying. Be vigilant for warning signs, such as:

Sudden changes in a student’s behavior, like withdrawal or aggression.

  • Unexplained injuries, damaged belongings, or lost possessions.
  • Reluctance to attend school or participate in social activities.
  • Emotional distress, such as anxiety or sadness.

By staying attentive, you can intervene early and offer support to affected students.

3. Establish Clear Reporting Mechanisms for Bullying Prevention

Ensure students know how to report bullying and feel safe doing so. Create anonymous reporting options to encourage those hesitant to speak up. Communicate clearly that every report will be taken seriously and followed up with appropriate action.

Empower students to advocate for themselves and others. Teach them how to identify bullying and report it effectively, reinforcing that standing up to bullying is a courageous act that can help prevent further harm.

Ensure your school has clear, enforceable anti-bullying policies in place. These policies should define bullying, outline consequences, and describe prevention and intervention strategies. You can be an advocate your administration to adopt these effective policies and support other teachers in identifying and appropriately intervening in bullying behavior.

4. Encourage Parents and Guardians to be Part of Bullying Prevention

Bullying prevention is a community effort. Keep parents informed about school policies, prevention programs, and specific concerns. Partner with them to address bullying incidents, ensuring a unified approach between home and school.

You can also provide parents with resources and training to recognize signs of bullying and help their children navigate these challenges. This could include our Proactive Parent’s Cyberbullying Handbook and other resources like Warning signs for Parents.

5. Leverage Peer Support Programs like Stand For The Silent

Students often respond well to their peers. Implement peer mentoring or student ambassador programs to empower students to model and promote positive behavior. Like our founder Kirk says, “Students have a chance to change the world we live in by taking a stand against bullying and taking a stand to help others”.

Students know about bullying, cyber bullying, violence, drugs, sex abuse, inappropriate relationships, and they know about other students who are struggling because they are being bullied or abused or having an ideation about suicide and self-harm. They’re in a position to advocate, stand up, and educate their peers.

You can help this by telling students about Stand for the Silent, bringing our presentation to your school, or being the adult sponsor for A Stand for the Silent Chapter.

By using these strategies, you can make a significant impact on bullying prevention in your school. A supportive, proactive approach ensures that every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive in a positive learning environment. Together, we can take steps to end bullying and foster a culture of respect and inclusion.

If you want to get more involved, learn about bringing a Stand for the Silent presentation to your school.

Top Athletes Who Stand Up to Bullying

Posted on by Kay Hall

It’s not just teachers, parents, and victims of bullying who are putting up a fight to end this harmful form of abuse. Today, celebrities, influencers, and top athletes alike are doing their share to nip it in the bud. Take the case of Marcus Rashford—a soccer player from Manchester United and the English national team. He is an avid defender of children’s rights, having launched a campaign against child food poverty that embraced bullying experiences that are related to socioeconomic status. He also uses his social media channels to promote kindness and extend compassion to those who have been victims. If you’d love to know more about Marcus Rashford and other elite athletes who are using their fame for a good cause, read on!

Born of Experience

Rashford’s voice comes from the heart. In his book You Are a Champion, he talks about the hardships he faced as a child. He was bullied owing in no small part to his family’s profound economic struggles. Rashford explains that he and his four siblings often had to rely on food banks and free school meals, leading them to be ostracized by their peers. Rashford encourages kids to find their passion as a means of boosting their resilience. Rashford himself credits soccer with having built his self-confidence—something that is especially important after experiencing bullying behavior.

Stopping Bullying in Sports

If you’re into reading about the experiences of your favorite baseball stars, make it a point to check out the biography of Marcus Stroman, the Chicago Cubs pitcher who is known for his outspoken stance against bullying, Like Marcus Rashford, Stroman faced bullying as a child. However, much of his work is centered on bullying in sports itself. Statistics show that in team sports, almost one-third of participants identified as victims, and higher victimization rates are observed in younger age categories such as under 13s, 11s, and 9s. Stroman believes that the key to stopping bullying lies in awareness and action. He has been involved in numerous initiatives aimed at teaching young athletes how to stand up against bullying—be it from their teammates, coaches, or opponents.

 Fighting for Acceptance

If elite athletes prove one thing it is that bullying isn’t exclusively an experience encountered by children and youths, This year, Olympic boxer Imane Khelif faced severe harassment during the Paris Olympics, owing to unfounded claims about her gender. Khelif took home the Gold Medal for her weight class but her victory was just the first step in stopping her haters. Since then, she has called for an end to bullying, emphasizing the long-term effects it can have on mental health. She filed a criminal complaint to the Paris Prosecutor’s Office against those who engaged in “acts of aggravated cyber harassment,” and also filed a lawsuit against X (Twitter). Doing so allows the prosecution the chance to investigate all X users, including those who have may written abusive messages under the guise of pseudonyms. Her action sends a powerful message: bullying is not something that should go unnoticed, and perpetrators should not be allowed to continue. Her stance seeks to show that it is not okay for keyboard warriors to target someone from the safety of anonymity.

 Knocking Down Prejudice

World-class tennis players Venus and Serena Williams have faced criticism and bullying throughout their careers owing to racial bias. One of the most difficult challenges they faced was when the head of the Russian Tennis Federation, Shamil Tarischev, made insulting comments about them that led Russia’s own Maria Sharapova to condemn him. Tarpischev appeared on a Russian talk show, referring to the sisters as the “Williams Brothers” and claiming they were “scary to look at.” Fortunately, the World Tennis Association backed the sisters, banning Tarpischev for one year and fining him. Serena thanked the WTA for supporting them in the fight against racist and sexist comments. The sisters continually speak out against bullying behaviors, providing an excellent example for young girls starting out in sports.

Top athletes from numerous sports are fighting a good fight against bullying. Many have experienced bullying themselves, using their sport to boost their self-esteem and move beyond the trauma. However, bullying is also a problem within the sports world itself, for both child and adult athletes. The athletes mentioned above demonstrate the importance of speaking up, defending one’s legal rights, and using social media to send important messages about the impact of bullying.

5 Crucial Facts to Know for National Bullying Prevention Month

Posted on by Stand For The Silent

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, making it an ideal time to examine some of the crucial factors surrounding this hot-button issue. Bullying touches families from coast to coast and in all demographic areas. The more we can shed light on it and learn to understand it, the better equipped we will be as a nation to help prevent it from happening.

“Bullying is an issue that most of us have had to deal with at some point, in one way or another,” says Kirk Smalley, co-founder of Stand for the Silent. “We need to learn more about it and do what we can to take action to help prevent it in our homes, schools and communities.”

According to the American Psychological Association, it is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. This can happen in multiple ways, including words, physical contact, threats, etc. Bullying can be done online and in person.

Some may believe that bullying is not necessarily on the rise but that today, we merely have the means to hear more about it and have become more sensitive to it. Yet, a recent survey by the Boys & Girls Club of America found that 18% of the 140,000 youth who participated reported that they had been cyberbullied in the last year. Social media and smartphones have opened up a whole new avenue of bullying that prior generations didn’t have to contend with.

 Here are 5 crucial bullying facts to become aware of this month:

  • Your child will likely be impacted. Considering how many children are impacted by bullying, there is a good chance your child will as well. Whether they are the bully, the one being bullied, or they are witnessing it, it’s touching the lives of many.
  • Schools may need to do more. While many schools are taking a stand against bullying with zero-tolerance policies, others still need to step up their game. Parents may need to get involved to help schools become more proactive in preventing bullying and creating an atmosphere where it is not tolerated.
  • More people need to get involved. We as a society cannot expect schools to do it all regarding bullying. There is only so much they can do, and they have a lot of students to monitor. Plus, students spend only a certain amount of time at school and the rest of the time at home and in the community. We need communities to get involved so that it becomes an issue and everyone is on the same page and doing what they can to prevent and stop it.
  • Many kids suffer silently from bullying. Some kids tell their parents they are being bullied, and there are many more who suffer in silence. Parents and teachers need to learn all they can about the issue to watch for it and stand up for those who may feel they can’t speak up.
  • Parents may be contributing to the problem. This is sobering for many people to hear, but some parents contribute to the issue. Some forms of parenting create a bully, even if it’s being done with unintentional consequences. Numerous studies have found that particular parenting styles can contribute to creating a bully, including one published in the journal Enfermería Clínica, which found that authoritarian parenting is related to bullying, which is a parenting style that focuses on strict rules, high expectations and little flexibility.

“Some of these are hard facts for people to consider, but we have to if we want to succeed at reducing bullying in our communities,” said Smalley. “Together, there is so much we can do to help reduce bullying and help kids focus on simply being kids.”

Stand for the Silent has a new program, Student Stand Out, which encourage teachers to nominate students who stand out and display excellent behavior and lead by example. Some of the behaviors they hope teachers will recognize and nominate their students for include addressing bullying, being a positive role model, being kind, having good leadership skills, being respectful, having integrity, and more. They also want to emphasize nominating those students who show initiative in helping to end bullying at their school.

Every week throughout the school year, Stand for the Silent will choose one of the nominated students to receive a $50 Visa gift card. At the end of each semester, one student will be selected to win a $100 Visa gift card. There will be two nomination periods, August 1 to December 1 and then from January 1 to April 1. Teachers can nominate as many students as they feel have earned the recognition. For more information about the Student Stand out program, visit the site at: https://standforthesilent.org/schools/standout

Smalley started the anti-bullying organization with his late wife, Laura, after their 11-year-old son committed suicide due to bullying. Having turned their pain and loss into a mission of helping others, he travels the country giving presentations about bullying, among other things. The mission is to help end bullying by raising awareness, sharing the facts, and offering solutions.

Stand for the Silent travels the country, giving presentations about bullying to schools, providing bullying prevention, giving out scholarships, offering intervention strategies, and more. Those interested in getting involved can start a chapter of the group in their area, obtain a free K-2 bullying prevention curriculum or cyberbullying handbook for parents, host a presentation at their school, introduce the How All Started video, and donate to help support the cause. To get more information, visit the site at: https://standforthesilent.org/

Is Stand for the Silent Legit? About Our Fundraising Practices

Posted on by Stand For The Silent

You’ve probably found this page because you encountered Stand for the Silent through a presentation, a community outreach event (like a table outside of a store), or perhaps you saw someone wearing our t-shirt, or you read something online or on social media. Now, you’re researching to see if Stand for the Silent is legitimately one of the most effective anti-bullying organizations.

  • Yes, we are a 501(c)(3) organization, founded in 2010.
  • Yes, our work is possible only because of individual donors like you.
  • Yes, we genuinely make an impact on the critical issues of school bullying and teen suicide

Below we hope to answer your questions about how Stand For The Silent is funded and how your donation saves lives by connecting with students, educators, and parents about bullying and the real devastation it causes. Yes, Stand for the Silent is legit and we could use your support.

How does my donation make a difference?

Our Founder Kirk Smalley says “Students have a chance to change the world we live in by taking a stand against bullying and taking a stand to help others.” We want you to be confident that your support makes that vision possible. Stand for the Silent (SFTS) addresses the serious issues of school bullying and teen suicide through compelling and heartfelt presentations at schools, churches, and community organizations. We have reached millions of children nationwide and received thousands of life-saving testimonials. By increasing awareness, we strive to reduce the incidence of suicide. Below are some of the ways we use donations from supporters like you to fulfill that mission.

“Students have a chance to change the world we live in by taking a stand against bullying and taking a stand to help others.” – Kirk Smalley, President & Founder

Free School Presentations

Central to our mission are free school presentations, which aim to raise awareness about the devastation caused by bullying and its link to teen suicide. In 2024, we plan to reach 100,000 children, encouraging them to become allies. Feedback from schools, children, and parents highlights the positive impact of this initiative

Stand for The Silent Assembly
SFTS Founder Kirk Smalley speaks to 300 students at a High School

Scholarship Programs

Our scholarship program is growing rapidly. We recognize students who have made significant contributions to this cause and who have triumphed over bullying. Their profiles are showcased on our website, and we are awarding more scholarships than ever before.

Backpack Program

Our backpack program provides free school supplies to underprivileged children, many of whom are victims of bullying. For these kids, receiving a backpack full of essentials represents more than just supplies; it’s a sign of care and hope, ensuring they have what they need to succeed in school.

Parent and Educator Guides to Bullying

This year, we expanded our reach with free guides for parents like The Proactive Parent’s Cyberbullying Handbook and free bullying prevention lesson plans for K-2 teachers.

Other Giving

Donations support a range of initiatives, including school playgrounds, lunch programs, suicide hotlines, shelters, and camp scholarships. Every dollar contributes to making a difference, with donations carefully allocated based on community needs.

How does Stand For The Silent raise money?

Direct Donations

We meet many of our donors at powerful presentations that shed light on the devastating impacts of bullying. These events in high schools, elementary schools, and community centers have reached over 4.15 million students since 2010. They play a crucial role in our mission to prevent teen suicide. Parents and community members like you are often moved to contribute after seeing the impact of our work and want to make these free school presentations possible all over the country. Donations are collected both at presentations and online.

Fundraisers/Fundraising Team Community Outreach

We work with a variety of fundraising teams across the country. You may see our fundraisers working at tables in front of retail, restaurants, and grocery stores. These fundraisers are independent offices that partner with SFTS to engage in nationwide community outreach.

Because of our fundraisers, we see, on average, 500 people per week per event. That adds up to thousands of people per week and millions per year that SFTS interacts with due to our fundraising teams. This helps spread SFTS’ message further than ever- with the ultimate goal to get SFTS into more schools in more states.

They are available to help educate the community about SFTS, advocate for our causes, and disseminate SFTS information, including our website and how to contact us.

Message Focused Apparel and Educational Materials

We raise funds from the sale of Stand for the Silent apparel and educational materials. When people wear Stand for the Silent t-shirts and sweatshirts, they’re creating opportunities to spark meaningful conversations while supporting our mission.

Is there a cost to your fundraising efforts?

Of course. We want to be transparent about that. In addition to the cost of organizing and free school presentations, there is a cost for things like producing Stand for the Silent apparel and paying our community outreach teams. However, not only do these efforts raise money to support our mission focused work, they’re also part of building human connections and starting real conversations about bullying and the real devastation it causes.

Transparency

If you’re asking if Stand for the Silent is legit, you may turn to trusted organizations like GuideStar and Charity Navigator. On GuideStar we have an excellent transparency score. We are in the process of sending updated materials to Charity Navigator. Once complete, Charity Navigator will better reflect the organization’s transparency and impact.

Still have more questions! Send an email to contact@standforthesilent.org and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

For any media inquiries, please visit us at https://standforthesilent.com/who-we-are/media/

Stand for the Silent

Founded in 2010, Stand For The Silent’s program addresses the issue of school bullying with an engaging, factual, and emotional methodology. Through this unique approach, lives are changed for the better.