E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSFrom NBC's Athena Jones
Calling bullying a concern to them not just as president and first lady, but as parents, the first couple hosted an event at the White House on Thursday aimed at preventing a problem that affects thousands of young people every day.
In a Facebook video message the pair taped, President Obama noted that bullying these days can follow students "from their school, to their phone, to their computer screen" and said putting a stop to bullying was a responsibility shared by everyone.
Thursday's conference brought together students, parents, teachers, non-profit leaders and policymakers to talk about the effects of bullying and how communities nationwide can battle it. It began with opening remarks by the president and first lady and was to include a conversation with experts about effective programs for bullying prevention and breakout sessions on cyberbullying and on in-school policies and programs and community and campus based programs to prevent and stop mistreatment of young people.
"If there's one goal of this conference, it's to dispel the myth that bullying is just a harmless rite of passage or an inevitable part of growing up. It's not," Obama told the East Room audience during the opening session. "Bullying can have destructive consequences for our young people and it's not something we have to accept. As parents and students, as teachers and members of the community, we can take steps -- all of us -- to help prevent bullying."
Obama added that he too had suffered from bullying in his youth.
"As adults, we all remember what it was like to see kids picked on in the hallways or in the schoolyard," he said. "And I have to say, with big ears and the name that I have, I wasn't immune. I didn't emerge unscathed."
The issue of bullying has received increased media attention in recent years with reports that mistreatment has has led to suicides among young people. According to data released by the White House, an estimated one-third of all school-aged children -- or some 13 million students -- are bullied each year. The data state that bullied students are more likely to have health and mental health issues and more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. The administration believes a failure to address this issue puts America at a disadvantage when it comes to efforts to increase academic achievement and make sure students are college and career ready -- a key Obama agenda item.
The president and first lady met before the event in the Oval Office with families and activists who are working to fight bullying and several lawmakers and others were on hand for the conference, including Sens. Michael Bennet (D-CO), Al Franken (D-MN) and Bob Casey (D-PA), columnist Dan Savage and American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten.
The Departments of Education and Health and Human Services also took part in the event and the administration has set up a Web site called www.StopBullying.gov to help young people, educators and their parents deal with the issue.
Leave a Comment:
MSNBC - come on in for "key political news and analysis" and go away with a lovely, highly relevant story on bullying?
To quote the man: "WTF?"
Say Obama, you got anything to say about that $223 billion spent last month? Anything, anything at all.
"present."
Spanky-
MSNBC - come on in for "key political news and analysis" and go away with a lovely, highly relevant story on bullying?
What about children and teens committing suicide is not relevant to you? it is unthinkable you could be that heartless.
To quote the man: "WTF?"
Say Obama, you got anything to say about that $223 billion spent last month? Anything, anything at all.
"present."
Why don't you concern yourself with the trillions Georgie boy left and the billions the GOP/T-Baggers like you (I know you aren't one ) want to compound the deficit with; not to mention no plans for jobs?
Bullying is bad Bev. but this is "the place for politics." There are about a billion other websites related to issues like bullying.
This is MSNBC's attempt to put out a puff piece, you know to show us all just how much Obama cares about the children. Which of course is kinda a big fat lie - dude is KILLING the debt. Bev. I know economics and things like debt service are not your strong suit, but who do you suppose debt and debt service effects the most? Hint: it starts with a C and ends with a D.
And yes Bush sucked at the debt also. But gosh don't Bush's deficts look quaint now? $170 billion in '05.
Bev. you do understand that $223 billion in Febuary is one heck of a lot more that anything Bush ever did, right?
Spanky-
Bullying is bad Bev. but this is "the place for politics." There are about a billion other websites related to issues like bullying.
You know how to see you way out of here to the Obama bashing websites which I'm sure would please you.
Besides you don't own anything here.
Bev. you do understand that $223 billion in Febuary is one heck of a lot more that anything Bush ever did, right?
Secondly, I never see thing your cock-eyed way.
Ok Bev. how about this?
Do you believe that $223 billion is greater than $170 billion?
And do you also believe that $223 billion X 12 months = $2.676 Trillion?
And you do understand that $2.676 Trillion is greater that $170 billion?
So you see old dear, this is not my "cock-eyed way." This is just basic math.
Are you really saying that you do not believe in math? That really makes life hard and no doubt complicated.
Spanky... you do realize that Bev can't help it... she is only doing what comes natural to her (and all the loony lefties out here...)
When we can't think of anything else to say be blame GWB and call you an idiot.
Status Quo
Yeah!
Little Richard...!
"The girl can't help it!..."
You GO, Bev...!
Pop quiz! What happens to revenue when employment goes down?
A. Goes up.
B. Stays the same.
C. Goes down.
Answer this, then talk about who's fault the deficit is.
So, how many teens commit suicide every year due to bullying? Statistically speaking is this really an issue? Is this a legitimate function of government to address? There are about 30 million people in the 15-25 age group (US Census) and about 5 thousand teen suicides per year. There is no mention in the information that I found that suggests that bullying is a significant cause for teen suicide. Is it tragic that teen suicide is increasing, absolutely, but does this problem really rise to the level of a need for presidental attention? No, not really.
Spanky - maybe msnbc found out about the FR libbies attempts at bullying and this is a gentle reminder to them.
Regardless, hope you aren't near the coast, as I hear california has a tsunami watch out
Best of wishes to the people of Japan and to those at risk for a potential tsunami. 8.9 wow!
Spanky answer me this, What cost More, A Womens Vagina or the Price of gas?
All the Rage coming from the Republican House, says it's a Women's Vagina!
I told ya all that Barry is a fake. Believe me now?
PMS, maybe it should be Taxed, since it cost so much, doncha think?
Rick I have no idea what you are trying to say.
but let me try this: I've "heard" that a lap dance [wink, wink] costs about $20 in TJ, and less as you head down the coast towards Ensanada.
It just cost me $92.69 to fill up my car at $4.03 per gallon.
So, doing some basic math, I'd say the answer to your question is - the price of gas.
What up Rick?
Recommend it to Barry. I'm sure Americans will support it 100%! That will pass in Congress in record time with all Repubs and Dems voting. None will flee, none will abstain!
Wow-
This is the best thread EVER at First Read!
I just love economics!
Hey Spanky anything to say about all the tax dollars wasted on defending DOMA by the GOP/TP or investigating Muslims By racist King. I didn't think so as long as it's the GOP/TP doing it. What a hypocrite you are.
I say cut everything possible until there is is no deficit.
How does that make me hypocritical?
This is it? Bullying? Oil prices through the roof, war in the Middle-East. $223 billion dollar deficits, in one month. Government shut down looming. Cowboy Poetry on the ropes, as well as NPR. $1.65 trillion dollar deficit for the 2012 budget. Debt ceiling limit on the horizon. Chronic high unemployment. Unions draining states of all their money. ObamaCare waivers issued now exceed 1000, and the entire bill soon to be deemed unconstitutional.
And Obama comes out strong, (figurative) guns a'blazing, on bullying . . . .
As you might have noticed President Obama does care about America....even those you deem unworthy of his attention..... and in the lenten season ......shame on you!
JS1, have'nt you heard, a Women's Vagina is the Cause of all of this!
Know how I know That:
Because everything the Repulican's wanna cutout, concern's that very Thing!
Damned XWives!
Methink Barry is a one term Prez. Its a pity. To see a man in such a responsible position unable to lead this nation in its time of need. The trouble with Barry is that no one believes him anymore.
I certainly did NOT!
Hope... Change... BS!
All going to prove, once again. . .
The man does not want to BE president.
He just wants to play one on T.V.
He has no clue, and is not interested in getting one.
How in the world did this inept moron get to be leader of the free world?
Because there were a bunch of idiots who followed blindly where the idealistic media followed them.
Will not happen again, folks. No matter how you sugar coat it- Obama is an idiot who is incapable of learning, and most people realize that now.
I only hope it is not too late to fix what he has destroyed.
The problem seems to be that conservatives/Republicans/Tea Party members have no concept of human issues.
At this time of the Republicans in Wisconsin bullying their bill through the statehouse, a discussion of bullying seems very appropriate.
No, fielden, the problem here is that Obama is flailing around aimlessly trying to find a platform for re election that does not include
Energy costs; the deficit; the economy; or foreign affairs-
All of which he has failed at, miserably.
WTF has not seemed to gain any traction. Maybe he is running for National Vice Principal in Charge of Discipline?
Think he could succeed at that? Would be a first.
Well, it seems that the President taking a few hours to discuss a serious issue such as bullying is viewed by the right as silly and unimportant. How sad. If jobs and the cost of gas is so important to conservatives, why then have Congressional republicans spent ZERO time on either one. Rep Peter King is busy holding hearings on Muslim radicalization--any jobs created with that time, did a few cents drop off the price of gasoline. Conservatives, you want to yell at someone, try yelling at the Congressional GOPTP which has spent since January all its time on women's reproductive issues, birther nonsense, etc. Take a look at your sides performance on Jobs and Gas prices before pointing fingers at the other side.
Thank you, President and Mrs. Obama for taking time to discuss this problem. Young people are committing suicide, being abused by their peers simply because of bullies.
Thank you, Mr. President and Mrs. Obama. This is an issue that needs to be addressed. You two are class acts and we the people are honored with you service.
lol
To all the conservatives expressing outrage---if your child committed suicide because of senseless bullying, I bet you'd feel differently. But problems never are real to conservatives unless they are personally impacted by them. You all should just go back to gloating over events in Wisconsin.
It'd be one thing if he was doing anything about the debt, or even gas. But the fact is he is not.
Steeler, we all know that it is our kids and their kids that are most effected by the debt.
Besides, last I checked Obama is not a psychiatrist.
He's an ass... something... ass-tonaut works.
"According to the liberals on here he's everything from a bull fighter to an astronaut."
True that, PIM - for the last two years he's had to fight the "bull" coming from all the space cadets on the right on a daily basis. Very perceptive of you.
Steeler Fan - it won't be their kids committing suicide; they'll be the ones lawyering up when Junior pushes some other defenseless kid into it. And wondering where Junior ever learned to act that way.
You're right, JoAnne---at least for the wealthy ones. And who cares about the poor ones--not them.
Spanky-
Besides, last I checked Obama is not a psychiatrist.
And you are? I'm not either. But, judging from all your assumed superior diagnosis of the President's inactions, the liberals here, and the state of the union; you are a megalomanic.
Please Insult Me!
your are a megalomanic
That's "you're" sweetheart.
Look, again then take a flying leap. How's that for an insult?
One more thing, I'm not your sweetheart.
Nor, apparently a mathmatician.
But ok Bev. you called me a megalomanic. Please set forth the basis of that statement.
You can back it up, right?
I'll bet you are just broken-hearted since Bev is "not your sweetheart".
(you lucky dog!)
Oh BTW, as an aside, Yemen will run out of water in a couple of years. Followed by all the other Arab countries whose drinking water will run dry by 2015. So I guess now we can defeat the terrorists. Simple. Stop those jumbo jets that fly to Europe for bottled water. Destroy their fresh water making facilities. And to think that the Arabs have an Achilles Heel other than being heels. But wait a minute if we do this , they will be heading here in the millions. No wonder they have a big mouth when they reside here. Just like Barry.
"No wonder they have a big mouth when they reside here"
So Juven, what is the load mouth white trash excuse?
Our kids mimic us. If we bully each other then they will also. We just saw incredible bullying by Walker and now by King. We see it in our government. We see it daily on Fox News. Don't expect better behavior from children.
You can never stop bullying. Look at it on a large scale, Bin Laden is a huge bully. Can we stop him? Apparently not. Radical Muslims = Bully. Holy War = Bully. Islam at it's worst = Bully. Can we stop any of them, nope. So, keep repeating those worn out phrases about stopping the Bully. Your kids will be repeating them also, and their kids.
So where is this lazer like focus on jobs we were promised by the Prez..... Bullying is a much more troubling concern for the country than a near 10% unemployment rate, and continued job loss.......