Perkins family’s fight to end bullying getting noticed
Kirk and Laura Smalley are starting to make waves in their fight to prevent bullying in schools.
The Perkins couple believe their son, Ty Field, who committed suicide on May 13, was being bullied at school and that it contributed to his decision to end his life.
And while the Perkins-Tyron school district has said there was no indication Ty was being bullied at school, the district has requested bullying-prevention training for school personnel.
The Smalleys are also meeting with state legislators to discuss needed amendments to the School Bullying Prevention Act, which was adopted in 2002. The law currently mandates that schools have policies, but doesn’t go to much further in requiring training. Several state legislators have pledged support to help pass amendments to the law and strengthen the act, according to Mark Brennaman, whose groups Education Advocacy Group is helping the Smalleys.
Out of their greatest tragedy, the courageous Smalleys are making a difference.
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Comments
I am somewhat new to this, but was moved by this article and would like to comment on this subject.
While I am empathetic to what the Smalley’s are enduring and applaud the efforts they are undertaking, I feel that more should be said on the subject. I speak from personal experience on “both sides of the coin”.
This subject is NOT restricted to our school systems. It is a cancer that permeates throughout our social structure. It is evident in our court systems, our elected officials, our school systems and even our own homes.
Our very monetary system is built around war heroes and those that “pushed the envelope”. Just look at the bills and coins in your pocket to verify this.
It is in the home that change must begin. All to often I have witnessed how the more fortunate complain about what is happening in the world, but do not see that it is growing inside their own homes. For many, it is easier to run to the bank and shove money into an account, go to the family’s place of worship and drop a few dollars into the plate when it comes around or continue to feed the beast during the election process.
Our government focuses on building more “correctional” facilities to house “offenders” in hopes of correcting society’s illness and oppressing those that voice a concern about the sad state of affairs.
The “bullying” doesn’t stop there. When one defeats a “bully”, are they not then considered to have become the “bully”? Is it a necessary evil? Probably so, but does that make it right? History is written by the victor not by the defeated!
How often have the chains of oppression been forged into weapons against the oppressors? History is filled with such stories. Territorial disputes are the cause of ALL wars. Whether it be race, social standing or religion is really irrelevant. It is STILL a territorial war.
While I do agree that change is needed, I am not sure that the responsibility should fall solely upon the education system. Change has to start at home. Our government must make resolutions that allow the family to grow in such a way that makes them understand that only by cooperation can we become better neighbors and a more productive society.
We must learn to share what we have with each other, not focus on what we can gain from each other. Only then can we see a light at the end of the tunnel. Throwing money into the coffers then returning to the safety of one’s own surroundings with the hopes that someone else will solve the problem is not the answer. Each of us must step up and take responsibility for our own actions and/or reactions.
Everything has cause and effect.
I implore our government to implement actions that not only help to curb these types of activities, but to also support agencies in their quest to help others find a better understanding of why they were being punished for their choices. Throwing someone into the “correctional” institutes without offering some types of reintegration programs is self-defeating and only helps to perpetuate this type of activity.
“Bullying” starts at home! It is there that we must first focus our attention. Then we can start the changes in our society. Everyone feels that they deserve a bigger piece of the pie, but few realize that the pie is only so big.
Freedom comes at a cost. My back hurts from the many footprints that have walked across it. And, sadly enough, so do many others that I have spoken with. Problem is, they fear speaking out against the institution for fear of reprisal. Isn’t that, in fact, what a “bully” invokes? Fear!
Where does it end? With you and I! In our homes, hearts and at the polls. People learn from the ones that went before them. Do we become lemmings and simply follow what we are told to do?
Many of those in charge of our society have been successful at hiding skeletons in the closet by throwing money at a few “trusted” individuals. But then comes a day that the well runs dry and they find themselves alone and wondering what has happened. They took comfort in hiding in the closet and paying someone to protect them from their own actions. Isn’t this paramount to extortion? “The more you can pay, the better I will protect you”. Isn’t that, in fact, what a bully is?
While I am sure that I have offended some of you, I also hope that I have made you reconsider where it is that you stand. Your voice should be heard, but not shoved down someone’s throat. How many skeletons hide in your closets? I hope you realize that someday some one WILL find them.
Our hearts hurt for Ty & his family, being very familiar with their pain. Andrew put up with bullying for many years. He learned telling the teachers & faculty only made matters worse. Andrew died by suicide at age 15 in 2007. The holes in our hearts still remain. Just thinking about the pain these boys must have felt is beyond comprehension. We support the Perkins family & their mission to stop bullying in schools. I believe Ty had EVERY right to defend himself against any harassment, and/or bullying. I wonder how those school officials sleep at night. Suicide is preventable!!