Bullying. It needs to stop.

Bullying. I think it's on the mind of every American right now; at the very least, every American parent. Just yesterday it was announced that a bright, talented Rutger's University student killed himself after his roommate and "friend" set up a hidden web cam and posted his relations with another man on the internet. There have been several news stories about young, 12 to 15 year olds, that have killed themselves over bullying. This is no longer becoming just another sad news story or kids being kids; this is a serious problem that we need to get a grip on.

I think that we were all, in some way, picked on in our years of growing up. Whether you were the cool kid or the dork, the jock or the band geek, wherever you stood in the hierarchy of popularity, you were at some point picked on. I understand that teasing happens. That there is a "I can't believe she did that" or a "You are a loser" here and there but serious bullying has become a problem. With the plethora of technology that teens (and adults alike) have access to it takes the teasing we endured to a whole new level. It's now non-stop. Texts, IM's, e-mails, blogs, facebook, twitter, and of course phone calls that bring teasing from the playground to the bedroom.

I often wonder what it will be that Addie and Evie will be teased about. Will it be something I can change, buy or replace so the teasing stops? Or will it be a feature of themselves that is permanent? I do know that I can only protect and guard them from the teasing to a point. I will arm them with all the self-confidence I can starting now so that when someone does put them down they can know that it isn't true. I will instill in them a sense of knowing right from wrong on the issue of teasing and bullying to stand up for those who are being bullied. And, so help me, if I ever find out that either girl has bullied another child they will not see the light of day for weeks. I have no tolerance for bullying.

Neither should you. As parents we need to stop this now before one more child dies. There should not be one more child who feels like their life isn't worth living because of another. And if you know that your child is a bully, do something about it. It's no longer kids just being kids. It's being taken way to far and kids are reaping serious consequences from this. In a world of such diversity we need to teach our kids tolerance for difference.

We need to, as adults, set an example for our children. I've known people to tell their kids that famous saying; Do as I say, not as I do, but what kind of an example are we really setting for our kids. The apple really doesn't fall far from the tree. Our children learn and imitate our behavior. Do you make comments about another race, sex or sexual preference? Chances are if you answered yes to this your child has too. It pains me to know that children are still being taught prejudice instead of tolerance.

We need to start holding people, including children, accountable for their actions. There need to be consequences again. And it needs to start in American homes. No longer should parents blame the schools for "not doing enough". Take responsibility for your child's actions. If we all teach our children that bullying is wrong and set a good example for them this issue will lesson. I'm not naive, I know that teasing and bullying will never go away but children should in no way be so affected they take their own life.

Stand up for the victims of bully. Do your part to remind your children the consequences of their actions. Let's not let this turn into a bigger problem then it already is.