powerful stories

Yesterday, I shared a youtube video on my Facebook page of a gay 14-year-old who created the video to share his anguish over being bullied:

Some online accused the teen, Jonah Mowry, of being a “fraud,” saying that he had created the video as a way to get publicity. ABC News confirmed that he was the son of a music instructor technician at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA and the story shared was very real.  ABC News also reported that the teen’s mother has said her son has been “uplifted” by support online.

Teens have increasingly taken to social media like youtube, Facebook, Twitter, etc. to reveal their struggles with bullying.  Many reports cite that teen bullying has reached epidemic proportions.  Perhaps it is time for educators and all local, state and federal lawmakers to pay attention to videos like Jonah’s.  If you agree, please forward this blog post to your representatives and school officials.