Source: Photo from OKIA Facebook Page
Jamie Isaacs, Long Island teenager, and NYS Senator Klein spoke about Cyber-Bullying and Jamie’s new book, In Jaime’s Words on WPIX News Channel 11 on this past Thurs, January 5th, 2012. Check out the news clip right here.
Jamie Isaacs – NYS Senator Klein speak about Cyber-Bullyism
Actually last month on Fri, December 2nd, 2011, I had the privilege and honor as a volunteer of the 11th Annual Our Kids in Action (OKIA) Youth Conference to meet the keynote speaker, Jamie Isaacs. Jamie is a 15 year old, 10th grade student, who shared her story about being personally tormented with bullyism since 8 years old through middle school. My sister, Amanda, also joined me as a volunteer for this extraordinary event held at Farmingdale College, NY where 2,200 Middle School students attended to rally together against bullyism. I definitely felt the sense of responsibility and concern that was generated with these students by the way Jamie connected with them. What an impression she made on these students.
Jamie truly exemplifies what being Courageous & Remarkable is all about. Jamie has become a role model and voice for students of all ages by making it her mission to bring awareness and change to bullyism. Jamie is an advocate, author, speaker, and supporter of legislation on Anti-Bullying. Her book, In Jamie’s Words, was just released and is available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble.
Jamie is fortunate to have supportive parents who she was able to confide in and trust with the bullyism going on at school and in the neighborhood. The bullyism at public school didn’t stop even after numerous meetings, conversations, letters written to School Administrators, and appointments with the therapists, social workers and attorneys, so Jamie’s parents had no choice but to enroll her into The Knox School, a private school on Long Island, to protect their daughter. The bullyism had escalated to be life threatening with 22 kids ganging up against Jamie. Bullies didn’t take the warnings seriously from the police and school administrators to stop the harassment.
Jamie’s message to the students was to tell someone if you are being bullied or know someone who is being bullied – don’t be a bystander and just let it happen. It takes courage to stand up for yourself and to stand up for others. This is what makes us better and stronger as individuals when we have the courage to take these steps.
Currently, Jamie is working with NYS Senator Klein to bring change on the State Legislation level for New York State Cyber-Bullying Law, which is proposing punishment of up to 15 years in prison if convicted of acts related to Cyber-Bullying death. Jamie has already made an impact with her assistance in drafting and passing two local anti-cyberbullying laws in Suffolk County. Impressive and amazing what change one person can make in the community. Jamie – You Rock Girl! Never let anyone or fear hold you back!
What can you do about Bullyism and Cyber-Bullyism?
Let others know that there’s support and resources available to those experiencing bullyism. Show your support by sharing the website/Facebook page for the Jamie Isaacs Foundation for Anti-Bullying, which is giving voice to bully victims and providing resources and guidance to the parents and victims.
Another resource is the Long Island Crisis Center, a local 24/7 hotline in NY that has counselors who can also guide you through some steps and resources available whether on bullyism or other concerns as a student or stress related to being a teenager.
No matter what your struggle is or concerns are, always remember you are not alone and you don’t ever need to feel that you have to experience it alone. Be courageous and take the first step – reach out for help or extend yourself to help another. It can make all the difference.
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