Bullying and Suicide: Learning from Phoebe

Phoebe Prince’s recent suicide has reminded us again we’re all not doing enough to stop bullying in whatever form it comes:  harassment, name calling, cyber bullying, physical violence, or sexual violence.

Phoebe was only 15 when she committed suicide this January.  This is a complete tragedy.  Yesterday, nine students were charged in various crimes that were committed against Phoebe and even more were diciplined and removed from school today in Massachusetts.

This could have been prevented and should have been prevented.  All of us need to do better:  teens, parents, educators, and mentors to young people.  What do you think teens should do to prevent this type of thing from happening again?  What do you think adults need to do?

Here are a few tips for teens on how to deal with bullying:

-First, look at your situation.  Are you the bully, bystander, victim, or friend?  In Secrets Girls Keep, on page 111, I share a quick quiz where you can figure out which one you are.  Depending on which category you fit in, you might have a different role.

–If you are the victim, I’m truly sorry this is happening to you.  It can feel incredibly lonely and isolating but know that there are many other teens who deal with this too.  You need to start by getting the right support around you.  Find an adult you trust to let them know what is going on.  Create a plan with them where you can be safe and that can work on changing your situation.  Find a grown up who listens and who is willing to help you see this through.

–If you are the bystander, this means you don’t usually start the bullying but you don’t do anything to stop it.  Most teens don’t stop the bully because they are fearful if they stand up to them, then they will be the next victim.  See what you can do to take action.  It might mean you gather a few friends together and you stand up to the bully.  It might mean you privately let an adult know what is going on, or it could mean you offer the victim your support.  Social pressure goes a long way with bullies.  Believe me, I know it’s a difficult road to stand up and take a different path.  Make sure you surround yourself with friends and mentors who can support you.

–If you are a bully, think about how this is working for you.  What do you gain and lose by harassing other kids?  Are you able to put yourself in their shoes for a moment and think about the negative impact you might be having on others?  Have you thought about criminal charges that might be brought up against you?  If you’re ready to make a change, congratulations.  It might not be easy because most likely this has been going on for some time.  It will most likely require talking to an adult you trust and think about getting a counselor to support you.  You help you figure out how bullying others has helped you or hurt you.  They can help you look at how you’ve been bullied if that’s the case and how you can begin to change.

This is clearly just the beginning to figuring out how to deal with bullies.  Watch for more videos, blog posts, and articles related to this important topic.  We all need to do better and take a stand so no more lives like Phoebe’s will be lost.

If you have a question or comment about bullying you’d like to share with us, you can write is at info@girlswithdreams.com with  ADVICE in the subject line.

Carrie Silver-Stock Joins News Certified Exchange

Founded by veteran journalists, NewsCertified provides the global news media with a searchable database of credible, interview-ready experts and story ideas that are accessible 24/7.

NewsCertified is committed to increasing journalists’ access to a diverse group of well-prepared experts whose perspectives will further enrich public conversation.

Carrie Silver-Stock, teen expert and author, is excited to be one of the experts on NewsCertified.  Read more about Carrie and NewsCertified here.

Keep Your Kids Safe Online

One of the best ways to keep your kids safe online is by empowering them to make good choices.  Teaching our kids how to use technology safely isn’t a one time discussion.  It starts as soon as they begin using the computer and it’s important to continue educating and mentoring them.  Read more about how to keep your kids safe online in Carrie Silver-Stock’s article in the Bay Area Women’s Journal.

Teens, Drinking and Driving

It’s a real pressure for many teens:  drinking and driving.  It’s a topic many teens have a hard time talking about with their parents, but it’s one that most face.  The teens at Girls With Dreams know how hard it is to face these issues and share real advice for other teens in this video. 

How do you say no to peer pressure when everyone else is doing it?  How do you stop a friend who is going to drive drunk?  How do you make decisions about drinking when you are a teen?  Find out new ideas for how to handle peer pressure and the issues surrounding teen drinking and driving. 

Do you have something that has worked for you?  Do you have a tough issues with peer pressure you’re facing?  You can send us your questions at info@girlswithdreams.com with ADVICE in the subject line.

Low Cost Ideas for a Great Prom

Prom is right around the corner and it seems like everyone is looking for ways to save money whether it’s for prom or in general.  Our Girls With Dreams team has put together some prom saving ideas you are going to love!  Make sure to watch their most recent ideas for how to do prom on a budget and make sure to share your tips you have that girls need to know!

Vampire Diaries Preview

Does anybody else watch the thrilling show Vampire Diaries? Well it has become one of my favorite shows, there is hardly ever a Thursday that I miss it and if I do it’s always set to record. The show is about a teen Girl named Elena who lives with her Aunt and brother since her parents were killed in a car accident. Her life is anything but normal, considering the fact her best friend is a witch and her boyfriend Stefan is a Vampire. The love and friendship you see in this show is never ending and is awesome! I was so excited after watching last weeks. There was so much drama with Elena and Stefan trying to prevent people they love from getting hurt since Stefan’s brother Damon was trying to open a tomb full of dead vampires so he could get to his love Kathrine. In this episode you find out so much about everyone’s past and the fact that maybe Kathrine really isn’t dead….I don’t want to give to much away but you might want to check this amazing show out! It always has you on your toes. The only bummer is that now I have to wait for it to return on March 25th. Just make sure you check it out!

Basic Hair Tools Every Girl Needs

Our hair is one of the ways we define ourselves, so here are some awesome items to help you tame your tresses!

1. A gel grip brush has a comfortable handle for those mornings when your hair has a mind of its own.
2. A flat iron helps to smooth out curls or make straight hair even more straight. Curl your hair around the iron for a slight wave.
3. Using a hair guard with heat tools will help prevent damage to your hair.
4. Hairspray lasts all day and tames flyaways.
5. Mousse helps to add volume to your hair.

Fun Ideas for Teens on Spring Break

What are you doing for spring break?  Whether you get to go some place fun or you’re staying home, our teen advisors have a few fun ideas for how to have a great time on your spring break at home.  Check out their ideas on this video.

• Get caught up on your sleep!
• Be a tourist in your own town….check out the tourist hot spots!
• Get your your friends together for a themed movie party night!
• Get more ideas from our team video!

New Program for St. Louis Moms and Daughters

Attention Moms with pre-teen daughters! Are you feeling as though your daughter is growing up so quickly right before your eyes? Do you feel that your communication with your daughter could be better? If you answered “YES” to both of these questions than Girls in the Know is the perfect program for you and your daughter!

Girls in the Know is a non-profit organization designed to educate and empower mothers and their pre-teen daughters together.  Led by a group of women professionals, this month long speaker series meets weekly at various schools and discusses the following topics: positive self esteem, friendships, body image, nutrition, exercise, safety, and sex education.  The mission of Girls in the Know is to strengthen the mother-daughter bond while promoting positive self-esteem which will increase the likelihood of healthy behaviors and decisions as pre-teen girls mature into adulthood. If you would like to attend one of our upcoming speaker series or you would like more information about this wonderful mother/daughter program log on to the Girls in the Know website at www.GirlsintheKnow.org  or call 314-473-5685. 

Mark Your Calendars!!!  Girls in the Know is hosting the First Annual “Passport to Power” Mother/ Daughter Event which will be held Sunday, April 11, 2010 from 1-4pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Clayton.  This fabulous event is available to all females, ages 5 years old and up.  The afternoon will offer empowering and dynamic speakers relating to girls and women, fabulous food, a variety of mother and daughter activities, and a silent auction with the ultimate goal of enriching the lives of all who attend. To register for the event log onto www.GirlsintheKnow.org and go to “Registration”.   Come and enjoy this unique and fun-filled afternoon with your daughter!

Seniors in High School Share Tips About College Apps and More

It’s not too late to get your scholarship applications in for college!  Our Girls With Dreams team got together to share some of their tips about college applications and scholarship applications.  Check out what they have to say about their senior year, applying for college, and scholarship opportunities.

Next Page »