Discussions with Zharphyn

There is an epidemic sweeping Canada and the United States.  This epidemic is killing teenagers at an alarming rate.  I am talking about suicide.  It seems to me that lately almost every week I am hearing a report about a teenager committing suicide because of bullying in school.  This morning I was reading about Marjorie Raymond, a 15 year old girl in Quebec who killed herself after relentless tormenting in school.  Tormenting that she endured for years.  Tormenting that has continued after her death.  Angel Mythe Reck and Gentil Dauphin Triste have created a Facebook page dedicated to mocking Marjorie in death.  I want to know, what are the consequences to these children for their actions?  To me, this should be a criminal act.  Their actions caused the death of another person.  Is that not a homicide?  We, as parents, need to stand up and take action.  To those of you with children, talk to them about what is bothering them.  Talk to them about their day.  Maintain that open dialog.  But actually listen to their problems.  Try to remember what it felt like to be a teenager in middle school.  Those feelings of hopelessness.  Of feeling awkward, alone, ugly, undesirable.  If your child reports to you that they are feeling depressed, take it seriously.  That silly teenage crush they had on someone was very real to them, do not diminish it.  If your child is a member of the LGBT community, accept them and love them for who they are.  As a gay friend once told me, he is happy with his lifestyle, but given the derision he endures constantly, who in their right mind would “choose” that lifestyle.  It is not a choice, is a biological directive.  It is who they are.  Do not be afraid of anti-depressants.  It is a medicine like any other medicine to treat a condition.  There should be no negative stigma associated with medicine.  The most important thing that you, as a parent, can do for your child is to make certain that they know they have your love and support.  If your child reports that they are being bullied at school, take action.  Talk to the teaches, administration and school board.  Demand a meeting between you and the bully’s parents with the children present, and make certain that everyone knows the consequences if the bullying continues.  In general, bullies are cowards, and will back down when confronted.  Unfortunately, bully kids sometimes come from bully parents.  These kids are lashing out at others because they feel powerless at home.  A properly run meeting between all parties will show you who the bully’s parents are.  If necessary, contact child services and report the parents for providing a hostile family environment.  Most importantly, do not back down.  Stand up for your child.  If nothing is being done by the school, consider transferring your child to another school, or home school.  You might well be saving your child’s life, and that is the most important thing there is.