community - BiasHELP

community
Published by BiasHELP, Inc.
MARCH 2011
S
E
C
VOI
Facing the Truth: Addressing the Rise in Bullying & Technobullying
–by Brandon Bjertnes
T
he increase in cases of bullying and technobullying
across the nation has garnered a great deal of
attention in the media, and among parents,
the community, school administrators, and local and
national policymakers. Many of these cases of abuse
have led to disastrous consequences for the victims,
ranging from withdrawal from school, depression,
and suicide. Students who are bullied have higher
levels of anxiety and depression as well as other
physical ailments, ranging from headaches to
stomachaches, compared to their peers. There are
also negative effects on the aggressors themselves.
Bullies often continue destructive behaviors such as
truancy, fighting, and risk taking into adulthood and
have an increased risk of incarceration.
contents
Message From the CEO:
continued on page 5
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Set to End in 2011
pg 2
LINCS/BiasHELP: Part of the
Solution to Ending Bullying on
Long Island
pg 4
Chef’s Secrets 6: It’s No Secret...
It Just Keeps Getting Better
pg 6
Fundraising
pg 7
Anti-Bullying Awareness
Logo Contest
pg 8
Patchogue-Medford
Community Expo
The evolution of modern communication technology
has extended the harmful reach of bullies and the
scale of the damage inflicted upon vulnerable youth.
“Technobullying” refers to harassment perpetuated
via the internet, mobile phones, and other virtual
means of communication, including social media
platforms (e.g. Facebook and MySpace) and even
gaming equipment (e.g. Xbox LIVE.) Instead of
having a reprieve from bullying when an individual
returned home from school, affected youth are
now faced with 24/7 harassment. The aggressors’
constant barrage of hatred and embarrassment is no
longer witnessed by just a few schoolmates but made
available for viewing on the internet, permanent and
accessible to a much larger
pg 9
Technobullying Website
pg 10
Public Service Announcement
pg 11
Support Wristbands
pg 11
Employment Opportunities
pg 12
History was made on December 22, 2010 when President Barack Obama
signed into law a bill that repeals Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, a 17-year old
law that restricts the U.S. military from asking about or revealing the
sexuality of service members, and prohibits openly gay, lesbian, and
bisexual individuals from serving.
Originally instituted by President Bill Clinton in 1993, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
was a problematic compromise that allowed discrimination in the armed
forces to be further institutionalized. Since then, an estimated 17,000
service members have been discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
continued on page 3
60 Adams Avenue, Suite 102, Hauppauge, NY 11788 • Phone: 631-479-6015 • Fax: 631-271-5720
www.BiasHELP.org • E-mail: [email protected] • Toll-Free Hotline: 1-877-END-BIAS (363-2427)
BiasHELP, Inc. is an affiliate of the Long Island Network of Community Services, Inc. (LINCS)
When I began the process of writing my “Message from the CEO”
Community Voices article, I wondered which topic I would choose.
So much is happening in our society that it is difficult to know where to begin.
I thought about the Arizona shooting of Congresswoman
Giffords because it brought to light so many of today’s
issues. Was she shot because she was Jewish, a
female, too liberal on gun control, or too conservative
on immigration border enforcement? Was the shooter
anti-government, influenced by the media, politics
or the recession? No one seemed to care about the
answers, but everyone was quick to assign blame. This
was followed by “who do we blame?” and the words
that consequently ratchet up the rhetoric. Once again
it seemed to evolve into a battle of “them” against
“us”. Most interesting was the idea that what we
say influences the actions of others. This is a problem
because almost anything one says can be offensive to
someone else.
This brings us full circle to the issues of bullying and
technobullying. Although BiasHELP’s programs are
targeted towards youths, in reality people of all ages,
races, genders and religions bully and are bullied. The
co-worker who knows something about your personal
life that you don’t want made public; the boss who
takes out his or her frustration and anger on employees
simply because they feel they can - all of the people
we depend on everyday: teachers, doctors, bus drivers,
and government workers. Those who can bully and
those who are bullied, will find others to bully.
What really is causing us as a nation to be so angry,
mean, rude and impatient with each other? After 9/11
the country united, not only because we were attacked,
but because we felt scared and vulnerable. That opened
the door for people to reach out to one another. It’s the
same when someone has a life threatening event, such
as a heart attack. They are so happy to have survived,
that they promise themselves they will change how they
interact with others and begin to appreciate each day.
But heart attacks and 9/11 scares wear off and people
return to old behaviors of negativity and mistrust.
Real change will only occur when people are more
honest with themselves about their fears, jealousies
and resentment of others. Only when we start to have
open and honest dialogues will the walls we build
around us slowly begin to crumble.
But that time is a long way off into the future. Until
that happens, law enforcement and government will
continue to enact more laws, such as hate crime
legislation, to punish those who hide behind cameras,
smart phones, webcams, video games and computers
to frighten, threaten, harass and terrorize others. For
now, and in our immediate future, BiasHELP, Inc. will
continue educational efforts to reduce hate, violence,
bullying and techno/cyberbullying.
Justice Department Drops Support of the Defense of Marriage Act
At the direction of President Obama, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a statement in February that
it would no longer contest legal challenges to Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, the 1996 law that
bars federal recognition of same-sex marriage. The President has deemed the provision, which defines
marriage as a legal union between a man and a woman, unconstitutional on the basis that it discriminates
against legally married couples without providing a rational basis. As constituted, the Defense of Marriage
Act discriminates against legally-married same-sex couples who seek the same partner benefits afforded to
heterosexual couples. While the Justice Department’s statement does not prevent states from prohibiting
same-sex marriage, it does protect already married couples when challenging for equal rights under the
law. Currently, there are eight states where same-sex marriage is legal.
2
continued...
The repeal of this law marks significant
progress for gay and lesbian communities;
a victory not only for acceptance and
understanding, but for the U.S. armed
services which will attract a new legion of
well-qualified individuals to protect us at
home and abroad.
While Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell has been repealed,
there are a few more hurdles to be crossed
before gay and lesbian individuals can begin
serving openly. President Barack Obama,
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and
Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, must all certify that changing
the law to allow for open service will not harm
the military’s readiness. Gates and Mullen
have indeed backed the repealing of the law,
but regulations have not yet been put in place
to ease the transition.
D*A*D *T*
Message from the CEO
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Set to End in 2011
Gates told reporters recently that he expects
the repeal to be implemented by year’s end,
following extensive training of all members
of the military branches. Service members,
who total approximately 2.5 million men and
women, will receive tier-based diversity and
acceptance training throughout the year. Once
this is in place and certified, there will be a
60 day waiting period before service members
can begin serving openly.
The implementation will not allow for samesex spouses to live with their partners in
military housing, nor will those spouses be
eligible for the military health care benefits
of their partners. This is due to same-sex
marriage still not being recognized by the
federal government.
There is still much work to be done to eliminate
bias and discrimination at the federal level,
but the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is a
step in the right direction.Thanks to President
Barack Obama and stalwart proponents of
the repeal like New York U.S. Senator Kirsten
Gillibrand, gay men and lesbians will soon be
able to serve their country proudly and openly.
Thank you to
Legislator
Jack
Eddington:
BiasHELP extends
our appreciation
to Legislator Jack
Eddington for his
support in the
amount of $5,000
to strengthen
our anti-bullying
programming in the
Patchogue-Medford
community.
Thank you to
Legislator
Jonathan
Cooper:
BiasHELP extends
our appreciation to
Legislator Jonathan
Cooper for his
support in the
amount of $5,000
to strengthen our
Violence Prevention
programming in
the Huntington
community.
3
Part of the Solution to
ENDING
BULLYING
LINCS/BiasHELP
on Long Island
The 2010 Ethics of American Youth Survey, conducted by the Josephson Institute of
Ethics, surveyed 43,321 teens ages 15 to 18, from 78 public and 22 private schools. The
study found that 50% of students said they had “bullied, teased or taunted someone
at least once,” and 47% had been “bullied, teased or taunted in a way that seriously
upset me at least once.”
LINCS/BiasHELP, the Long Island Network of Community Services and its affiliate organization, BiasHELP, Inc. are
deeply concerned about the impact of bullying on children, as well as the impact bullying has on the school as a whole.
We believe that an action is considered as bullying behavior when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean
or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself. Bullying can seriously affect the
emotional, physical, and academic well-being of children who are bullied and contribute to a negative school climate.
Facing the Truth
continued...
audience. In addition, victims’ personal identity
information can be released and their photos
posted, and even inappropriately edited, to further
destroy their reputations on a much larger arena.
Some feel that bullying and technobullying are
normal acts of immaturity, see it as something
that toughens up our kids and will ultimately end
at some point. However, BiasHELP and many others
feel that measures must be taken to stop these acts
of aggression. In a video produced for the “It Gets
Better Project,” President Obama urged that “we’ve
got to dispel this myth that bullying is a normal rite
of passage, that it’s some inevitable part of growing
up.” BiasHELP is particularly concerned about the
rise in bullying incidences targeted at lesbian, gay,
LINCS/BiasHELP are committed to reducing the incidences of bullying in Long Island schools and communities. After
doing extensive research, we have identified the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program as the foremost bullying prevention program available. It is a whole school program that has been proven to prevent or reduce bullying throughout a
school setting.
Goals of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program
• Reducing existing bullying problems among students
• Preventing the development of new bullying problems
• Achieving better peer relations
Effects of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program
• Reductions of 20-70 percent in reports of students being bullied and bullying others
• Marked reduction of antisocial behaviors, such as vandalism, fighting, theft, and truancy among students
• Clear improvements in classroom social climate, as reflected in reports of improved order and discipline, more
positive social relationships, and more positive attitudes toward schoolwork & school among students.
In addition, the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program has
received recognition from a number of organizations
including: Blueprints Model Program, Center for the
Study and Prevention of Violence, University of Colorado
at Boulder; Model Program, Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services; Effective Program, Office of
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice; and Level 2 Program, U.S. Department
of Education.
4
As it is highly recommended that schools work with
certified Olweus trainers on the implementation of
the program, our staff have become the only certified
Olweus trainers on Long Island. For more information
on the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program visit www.
hazeldon.org/olweus or www.clemson.edu/olweus.
Contact us at (631) 479-0010 in order to discuss the
program, its benefits, and the prospect of implementing
it in your school.
bisexual, transgendered, and questioning (LGBTQ)
youth as well as individuals perceived to fit into one
of these groups. This targeted bullying perpetuates
prejudice, intolerance and aggressive behavior
towards others based on observed characteristics,
a form of discrimination against those that are
“different from us.”
BiasHELP believes that individuals, families, schools
and communities need to protect the lives and
rights of youth through bullying awareness and
prevention. In response, BiasHELP has created the
website www.stoptechnobullying.org which provides
helpful resources for parents and youth and has
integrated the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program
into the agency’s array of Violence Prevention
Programming available to schools. The Olweus
Bullying Prevention Program is a comprehensive
organizational restructuring that focuses on
changing the atmosphere and culture of the school.
Unlike other forms of bullying prevention, the
Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is not a single
day seminar or peer mediation approach. It is an
evidence based program that engages all levels of
the school from the students and lunch-staff to the
principal and superintendent. BiasHELP is proud to
be the only agency on Long Island to have certified
Olweus trainers on staff and expects to launch
the program in several schools beginning in the
2011-2012 academic year.
For more information about BiasHELP’s
Violence Prevention Programs, or
to schedule a presentation, visit
www.biashelp.org or call BiasHELP
at 631.475.6015.
5
beautifully displayed. Owners Jeanne Kitson and Skip
Sabiston opened up a small shop in Bay Shore this past
October where they offer custom made confections.
CHEF’S SECRETS 6
It’s No Secret… It Just Keeps Getting Better
At six o’ clock, the main event started, and guests were
encouraged to walk throughout the mansion and bring
along their appetites to sample the wide array of offerings
that these culinary professionals created. The Long Island
Gay Men’s Chorus entertained guests with a variety of
choral music throughout the evening serenading guests
from room to room.
-by Cristina Taylor
Sunday, November 14, 2010 Chef’s Secrets 6, an event
produced by the Long Island Network of Community
Services, Inc. (LINCS) to benefit the Long Island Association
for AIDS Care, Inc. (LIAAC) and BiasHELP, Inc. was underway
at the deSeversky Mansion in Old Westbury where guests
enjoyed a beautiful evening filled with fine wines and
exemplary dishes created by talented chefs from all across
Long Island.
for the buyer to try and figure out with the help of some
clues on the gift wrapping and these gifts were well worth
the gamble! The Chinese Auction contained an array of
beautifully adorned gift baskets filled with items including
assorted gift certificates, spa products and treatments,
Tiffany champagne glasses, a night at Oheka Castle, concert
tickets, designer dresses and handbags, gift certificates for
fine dining and jewelry, which is always a favorite.
There were a few new additions to this year’s event, the
first being a VIP Champagne Cocktail Hour, hosted by the
dynamic celebrity Chef Marc Anthony Bynum, finalist in the
Food Network’s competitive cooking show “Chopped”. Chef
Marc also facilitated our first LIVE Celebrity Chef auction
where the lucky winner got Chef Marc’s cooking services for
a party of up to 10 people in the privacy of their own home.
Also for sale were gift certificates to Harrah’s resort. Round
trip charter bus service and an overnight stay are included
all for $20. Guests were asked to buy a few tickets, bring
some friends and support a great cause!
At 5 pm, the doors opened
for the VIP Cocktail Hour.
Guests pulled up to the
Mansion’s front doors where
they were greeted by warm
welcomes and encouraged
to partake in the Silent
Auction, Chinese Auction,
50/50 Raffle and Mystery Box
sales throughout the night.
Art lovers, high rollers,
Disney lovers, exotic car
enthusiasts and those who
desired a ‘little something
extra’ in home furnishings,
Chef Marc Anthony Bynum
had a chance to bid on Silent
Auction items such as a piece of Charles Fazzino’s 3-D pop
art, a weekend at Harrah’s Resort with charter flight and
limo service, a trip to Disney, a weekend rental of a Rolls
Royce “Ghost” and a home makeover courtesy of DirectBuy.
If you were the adventurous type, Mystery Boxes were for
sale throughout the evening. What’s in the box? That was
6
VIP guests were escorted into the canopy area for a VIP
Cocktail Hour where Martha Clara Vineyards provided the
champagne and Chef Marc Anthony Bynum dazzled
guests with his charm and wowed their taste buds
with samplings of amazing appetizers such as:
Kabocha Squash Puree’ Shots, Corn and Chicken
Fritters, Oven Roasted Turkey, Cranberry Compote
on Brioche, Herb Crusted Lamb Chops with a Mustard
Demi Glace, Tomato Bruschetta on Crostini with a
Balsamic Reduction and Tuna Tartare on Wonton Crisp
with spicy mayo and avocado puree. Dessert samples
during the Cocktail Hour were provided by Lorraine
Licursi of Lollipop Bakes. Chef Marc spoke with
guests, answered questioned and signed autographs
throughout the evening.
Guests who arrived prior to the main event were
invited into the Library where Martha Clara Vineyards
showcased their wines while Chef Julio Vasquez
from Sage Bistro served samples of a delicious goat cheese
and mushroom tart. Guests were thrilled to see Dynamic
Beverages, LLC who provided samples of Redemption Rye
whiskey and the fan favorite, Orange V vodka. New comer,
Afresh Approach, garnered a lot of attention with their
mouthwatering chocolate truffles and confections that were
The de Seversky Culinary Team, Chef George Apanasevich
(Hyatt Regency Long Island), Chef Chris LaVecchia (Ciao
Baby),Chef Leisa Dent (LL Dent), Chef Robert Ehrlich and
Chef George Schneider (Culinary Academy of Long Island at
Star Career Academy), Chef Andrew Greene (The American
Culinary Federation - Long Island Chapter) and Chef Ismet
Saz (Aperitif Bistro) displayed an array of appetizers
and entrée samples ranging from good old home style
favorites such as turkey and fixings, hearty soups, briskets
and pasta dishes to the downright unique tasty offerings
such as pumpkin pickles and olive merlot tapenade both
created by Jeri Woodhouse (A Taste of the North Fork).
An array of beverages, such as fine red and white wines
(The Northport Tasting Room, Casa de Vinos, Fedway
Imports), drink mixes (Bridge Brand Sales, Inc.) coffee
and teas (Coffee Distributing Corp.) and beers from the
Brooklyn Brewery were available for guests to drink
throughout the evening.
There was certainly no shortage of desserts at Chef’s
Secrets 6. This year featured many new dessert chefs
such as John Michael Burnett (John Michael’s Baking) and
Florie Robinson (Florie’s Finales) who offered fresh baked
cookies, biscotti and brownies that kept guests coming
back for seconds! Chef Marney White, who has been
called the Vera Wang of cakes, created an intricately
decorated wedding cake that looked too pretty to eat
but worth every forkful. Chocolate dipped strawberries
from Rachel Birke (Melting Pot) and generous servings of
Rosario Naimo’s (Bella Dolce) homemade gelato capped
off the evening.
Chef’s Secrets 6 truly was a success thanks to all of those who
donated their services to help produce the event, as well as
our guests whose continuous support enables our agencies
to provide the best services possible to our community.
We look forward to having you join us again next year on
Sunday, November 13, 2011 for Chef’s Secrets 7.
Fundraising
-by Meghan Waldow
As a not-for-profit organization,
BiasHELP Inc. relies on federal, state,
county, foundation and private grants
as well as fundraised dollars to support
the agency as it takes a lead role in
combating discrimination, hate crimes,
youth violence, bullying and technobullying on Long Island. As existing
funding has been dramatically cut and
there is a pronounced reduction in
new funding opportunities, BiasHELP
has had to rely heavily on fundraised
dollars in order to continue to be able
to provide our vital services.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Individuals, groups, communities and
organizations who are interested in
supporting BiasHELP’s services can:
1) Make a donation,
2) Host a personal fundraiser,
3) Purchase BiasHELP’s
stopetechnobullying wrist bands or
4) Sell BiasHELP’s stoptechnobullying
wristbands. These wristbands appeal
to the masses and can be worn to
show solidarity in the fight against
bullying and victimization.
The money raised through these
endeavors goes directly into subsidizing
the cost of violence prevention
educational programs on Long Island.
If you are interested in making a
donation, hosting a fundraiser or
purchasing/selling stoptechnobullying
bracelets, please contact BiasHELP at
(631) 479-6015 or visit us at
www.BiasHELP.org
7
Anti-Bullying Awareness
Logo Contest
- by Meghan Waldow
2010 has proven to be a tragic year for victims of bullying
and technobullying. With the advance of modern
technology and the myriad of communication outlets
available to youths, the issue of bullying has risen to
the forefront of local concern. The growing number of
adolescent suicides nationally has shaken the core of
Americans both young and old, and has succeeded in
igniting a reevaluation of the handling of physical and
emotional abuse. The call for a better understanding and a greater response to adolescent needs and
concerns regarding this issue was heard by BiasHELP, Inc. BiasHELP is a not-for-profit agency dedicated
to monitoring, combating, and lessening the effects of bias crime, which include the pitfalls associated
with bullying and technobullying. While the outpouring of response from adults and communities has
been encouraging regarding bullying, BiasHELP decided to reach out to the youths of Long Island to
enhance their awareness and involvement in combating the serious issue of bullying and technobullying.
The Long Island Network of Community Services, Inc. (LINCS), in collaboration with BiasHELP, Inc.
created an Anti-Bullying Awareness Logo Contest open to all Nassau and Suffolk County youths aged
11-18. The winner of this contest, Vincent Garcia from Plainview Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High
School, combined a captive motto with unique artistry to draw attention to the danger of technobullying.
Vincent’s logo, which will be publicized on biashelp.org and stoptechnobullying.org, will be used on
future literature and for subsequent events. LINCS and BiasHELP wish to congratulate Vincent Garcia
on an outstanding job, and would like to thank all of our participants from Garden City Middle School,
Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School in Hempstead, and Plainview Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy
High School for their efforts and ideas! With the help of Vincent and like-minded peers, BiasHELP
will continue to be at the forefront of this long and engaging battle against bullying of all kinds.
Thank you to all of the participants for their wonderful logo submissions!
8
PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD
COMMUNITY EXPO
- by Brandon Bjertnes
On
Loida Santos, Dr. George Santiago, Meagan Waldow
and Brandon Bjertnes
Wednesday December 15, 2010 BiasHELP, Inc.
hosted a “Community Expo”, its third community event
in the Patchogue-Medford Community through the
A VOICE Project. A Voice (Against Violence &
Oppression In Communities Everywhere), which is
Nina Scollo, Brandon Bjertnes, Meagan Waldow,
made possible, in part, by a grant from the Knapp
Dr. George Santiago and Maria Jacinto
Swezey Foundation, works with the community of
Patchogue-Medford to foster unity and respect to positively impact families and youth. The Community Expo
provided Patchogue-Medford community members with an opportunity to learn about agencies/organizations and
their available services. The event took place at the illustrious Patchogue Campus of Briarcliffe College through
the support and hospitality of President, Dr. George Santiago and Coordinator for Student Life, Barbara Hagin.
Walking up to the entrance of
This event allowed community
the college individuals could see
members from Patchogue-Medford
something was happening with
to become familiar with resources,
the conspicuous WBLI van parked
including 25 service agencies/
outside. Upon entering the hall
organizations: Brookhaven Memorial
at Briarcliffe College community
Hospital, Community Development
members and students were
Corp, EOC of Suffolk, EPIC, Fidelis
overwhelmed with the smell of
Care, Fire Island National Seashore,
delicious popcorn and cotton
Head Start, Make-A-Wish Foundation,
Briarcliffe
College
community
members
and
students
candy floating in the air. Yochi
Parents for Megan’s Law and the
Yogurt of Patchogue supplied
Crime Victims Center, Patchoguefree samples of handcrafted hot apple cider while holiday
Medford Public Library, Patchogue Parks and Recreation,
music filled the hall and created a festive mood to explore
Patchogue-Medford Youth and Family Services, Response
the resource tables. The Patchogue-Medford Youth and
of Suffolk County, Suffolk County Police Athletic League,
Community Services provided their own resource table and
Suffolk County Human Rights Commission, Suffolk Perinatal
game of bean bag toss to play for young and old alike. Expo
Coalition, the Village of Patchogue Community Development
attendees were able to interact with different agencies
Agency, the Village of Patchogue, YMCA of Patchogue, Yochi
that provided information on topics such as housing,
Yogurt, Long Island Association for AIDS Care, Inc. (LIAAC)
family health programs, prescription drug coverage for
and BiasHELP, Inc.
the elderly, early childhood education and development,
perinatal care, mental health/suicide prevention, health
The Expo was designed to enhance a feeling of unity and
insurance and community events to name a few.
provide the true meaning of community through support
and knowledge. For more information about A VOICE
Families are often unaware or don’t have access to the vast
Coalition please visit www.biashelp.org or contact the tollnumber of agencies and resources that are available to them.
free hotline at 1-800-END-BIAS (363-2427).
9
Public Service Announcement
- by Maria Beccari
technobullying
website
- by Meghan Waldow
BiasHELP, Inc., in conjunction with the Long Island
Network of Community Services, Inc. (LINCS), is
proud to announce the launch of the website
stoptechnobullying.org. The website was established as a response to the devastating incidents
of technobullying and suicide that have recently
resonated with individuals locally and nationwide.
BiasHELP is eager to show that although technobullying victims may feel isolated by their struggle,
they are far from alone. The website is designed to
inform, enlighten, and protect individuals from the
emotional and legal ramifications involved in this
form of bullying. While technobullying may appear
unavoidable; it is easily overcome and evaded when
armed with the right information and tools.
The website is being utilized to publicize the phrase
“technobullying,” in order to contradict the public
misconception that cyberbullying only encompasses
the internet. BiasHELP defines technobullying as
the utilization of various electronic formats to send
mean, inappropriate, and threatening messages
and/or images. Far from the days when the internet
alone was a potential source of anxiety and fear,
technobullying encompasses the misuse of the
internet, along with cell phones, cameras, and video
games, as a tool to torture and ridicule others. The
main goal of the website is to educate the public,
particularly parents and educators, on the fact that
most forms of electronics have the ability to be
used as weapons.
10
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Additionally, the website was
created to inform the public as to the behaviors
and actions that constitute technobullying. Many
youths are under the misguided impression that
taunting and teasing via electronics is innocent, and
are in the dark as to the severity of their actions.
The website clearly lists the numerous and varied
behaviors of technobullying to clarify any confusion.
Stoptechnobullying.org also provides advice for
protecting oneself and seeking help. A common issue
for vulnerable youths was their ignorance in how to
protect themselves against the modern onslaught of
technology. People who follow the website’s safety
tips are arming themselves with the tools to avoid
victimization. While the guidelines for protecting
oneself will prove beneficial for all, stoptechnobullying.org also provides advice for those who
find themselves already under attack. In addition,
stoptechnobullying.org also clearly lists the laws
at both the New York State and Federal levels that
apply to perpetrators of technobullying. This information allows both victims and perpetrators to have
a greater understanding as to the legal ramifications
and boundaries that surround this form of bullying.
Stoptechnobullying.org was designed to be a resource
for those who find themselves at either end of the
technobullying spectrum. It is also a valuable source
for parents, educators, and community members
who seek a better understanding of this issue.
Depression, fear, humiliation, embarrassment, and
suicide...these are just some of the unfortunate
consequences of an out-of-control form of bullying
called Technobullying. Technobullying is the most
invasive form of bullying ever to rear its ugly head
among our children in schools and communities.
The mission of BiasHELP is to make people aware
of this growing problem facing our young population.
In February BiasHELP started running a Public Service
Announcement (PSA) on numerous channels in the
Long Island Cablevision viewing area, including MTV
and News 12 Long Island, about this threat to our
children’s safety and mental well being.
This PSA puts a face to the monster that is technobullying. In a one minute span the viewer is faced with
the growing problem through statistics that seem all
too unreal and a narrative that starts from a child’s
perspective making the viewer realize how hurtful
and damaging this form of bullying is to our children.
The nature of this beast is brought to light, and the pain and
suffering it is causing our children is spelled out for all to see.
Technobullying needs to be stopped and only by education can
such an endeavor succeed. The PSA’s goal is to bring people
together by acknowledging the issue and to pave the way for
people to join the fight against Technobullying everywhere. To
view the PSA please visit the BiasHELP anti-bullying website at
STOPtechNObullying.org or on YOUTUBE - keyword BiasHELP.
Special thanks to Noel Spillane for his voiceover role in BiasHELP’s anti-technobullying public service
announcement, which can be viewed at STOPtechNObullying.org or Youtube (keyword BiasHELP)
Supporter Bracelets
BiasHELP is promoting its new campaign to stop technobullying through
education, outreach and support to local communities on Long Island.
Funding for these various programs is limited and we are asking for help.
BiasHELP is now offering supporter bracelets that will help fund our
efforts in the fight against electronic harassment.
BE A PART OF
THE
SOLUTION
support the cause
To purchase supporter bracelets, please fill out the form below and mail
to: BiasHELP, Inc., 60 Adams Ave., Suite 102, Hauppauge, NY 11788 or
order online at STOPtechNObullying.org.
Price: 2 for $4.95, includes shipping & handling
I would like to purchase ___ bracelets, to support STOPtechNObullying.org and its vital programs.
Name: _____________________________
E-mail: _____________________
Phone: ________________________
Shipping address: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Card type: __ Visa
__ MC
__ AMEX
Exp. Date: __________________________
Card No: ____________________
CVV2/CVC2 Code: ______________
Name on card : ________________________________________________
Billing address: _____________________________________________________________________________________
11
BiasHELP, Inc.
60 Adams Avenue
Suite 102
Hauppauge NY, 11788
Non-Profit
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 136
Smithtown, NY 11787
Employment
Opportunities
BiasHELP, Inc. is looking for qualified individuals to join their professional
team of employees. BiasHELP, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit agency
dedicated to prevention of bias crimes, hate-related harassment, bullying,
technobullying/cyberbullying and discrimination. Located on Long Island,
BiasHELP provides programs and services locally, regionally and nationally.
BiasHELP considers an action to be discriminatory when a person or group
is targeted, in whole or in part, because of their perceived differences,
including race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, age,
disability or sexual orientation. We offer a competitive salary and benefits
package. BiasHELP is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity
in the workplace. Please forward your resume to:
BiasHELP, Inc.
Attention: Robert Nicoletti - Human Resources
60 Adams Avenue, Suite 102, Hauppauge, New York 11788
or you can fax them to:
Fax: (631) 656-7235 • Email: [email protected]
Executive Committee:
Gail Barouh, PhD
CEO/Managing Director
John Haigney, M.Div.
Board Co-Chair
Adrian Fassett, MA
Board Co-Chair
Gary Gumbs, BA, BS
Vice Chair
Lila Mester
Secretary
Board Members:
Thomas J. Fabbricante, BS
Jason Abelove, Esq.
Evelyn Danko
Carole Burke, BA
Gillian Pantor-Norman, BS, MS
Matthew F. Napolitano, BA
BiasHELP, INC. copyright 2011 ©