Bullying in the news...

October 2009: United States Senate

SUNNIE McFADDEN-CURTIS

I was invited to an event at the Senate in the United States.

On October 13th, 2009 my son and I went to Washington to attend the “The StopCyberbullying Coalition Roundtable “ at the Senate held in the newly named Ted Kennedy room. The roundtable was organized by Parry Aftab, a privacy lawyer and Founder of Wiredsafety.org.

There was an incredible range of individuals and organizations who attended as stakeholders, interested parties and media. Participants included members of the StopCyber-bullying Coalition, Tweenangels and Teenangels, cyber-bullying experts, the media, policymakers, cyber-safety organizations, industry leaders, entertainment leaders, Internet industry representatives, child protection and anti-violence advocacy groups, community service organizations, law enforcement agencies, policymakers, authors, researchers and educational institutions.
Stakeholder groups shared their work and expertise. In addition, there were three one-hour panels. Vibrant discussions and interactions with participants took place throughout the afternoon as we moved towards a greater understanding of the issues, the wonderful work that is taking place and next steps. There remains much to do.

After the roundtable, my son and I were invited to shadow a meeting that was between Debbie Johnston and Florida Congresswomen Wasserman Schultz. Debbie’s son Jeff was a victim of cyber-bulling. He took his life as a result of the ongoing bullying. Debbie started a campaign in Washington. With the help of her students, Jeff’s friends, and some political heavy weights (such as Jeb Bush) she accomplished what she set out to do in memory of her son, and for other children. After three-years Jeff’s Law was passed (see: http://www.jeffreyjohnston.org/jeffslaw.htm).

Debbie’s work continues. She and Congresswomen Wasserman Schultz spoke about how they could work together in this plight against bullying. Debbie had many wonderful stories about Jeff. He loved to incorporate stars into to his Japanese art. After his death, Debbie would hide stars in the crevices of places along her journey to speak for her son and all the other children. Single stars are distributed in special places including the White House, the Senate and now, the Lincoln Memorial. Debbie couldn’t go to the Lincoln Memorial that day, so my son and I did. We did if for Jeff, Debbie, for my son and me, and for all the other kids.
Hear the children, and give them a voice.
—Sunnie

PS
Debbie and Parry Aftab are part of the documentary I am producing. More details later.