With the help of the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center, the L.A. Unified School District is launching SPIN, or Suicide Prevention Intervention Now, to address a culture of bullying that has existed for far too long in one of the nation’s largest school districts.
“The school district had a long history of helping these youth, but we knew even more could be done,” said Lorri Jean, chief executive of the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center.
A large part of SPIN involves education: just getting faculty used to the word “gay” or “lesbian” can have enormously positive consequences. Teachers and faculty are also trained in how to create a safe classroom environment as well as signs to look for in students who may be withdrawing into themselves for reasons well-known to any of those who have ever been bullied.
The success or failure of the program will also depend on parents who often times encourage the very behaviors the SPIN program is trying to combat.
Whether or not SPIN ends up being a model for other school districts throughout the country is yet to be seen. But for the victims of bullying and family and friends of those who have taken their lives it’s a step in the right direction.
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Shaira Leah
Bullying is difficult to define, because in today’s society it extends much further beyond someone taking your child’s lunch money or pushing him or her around on the playground, and the effects of this type of behavior go much deeper than a black eye. Teasing, taunting, ethnic slurs and sexual harassment are all forms of bullying. Bullying behavior is generally repetitive hostility and aggression directed toward a victim who is physically or mentally weaker than the bully. Thus, being a parent I’ve learned to be vigilant and more particular on the safety of my teens especially when it comes with bullying cases. Then I found this site that provides a protection for children from a safety mobile protection that can access family, friends and 911 in times of emergency. I just downloaded their application on their iPhone. Here’s where you can find it: http://safetrec.com/