Last week’s column on bullying really resonated with me. Through the years, I’ve seen many aspects of bullying and hazing as a former athlete, and now as a sports administrator, I still come across the issue from time to time. It can be so tempting for young adults to give into peer pressure and become active participants, but in the end, no one wins. Being a friend and upbeat teammate has much better results for all involved. 

The LHSAA feels strongly about this issue, and has partnered with the Jason Foundation, a nationally recognized organization that provides educational tools and training for students and adults that work in youth related environments such as educators and coaches. The foundation’s mission is to prevent the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide through educational programs and awareness efforts on the effects of bullying, hazing and other negative epidemics. 

Clark Flatt, president and CEO of the Jason Foundation, Inc., began the organization after tragically losing his son, Jason, in 1997 when he took his own life after being bullied. Jason was an active 16 year old who was a great student and loved sports, and, unfortunately, was a victim of bullying. Now, his father has vowed to take action in trying to put an end to bullying by educating young adults, parents, educators, coaches and others on how to recognize when someone is being bullied, how to reach out to a friend who may be in a crisis and how to save a young person’s life by being the friend he or she may so desperately need.

At the LHSAA, we’re all about going “Beyond the Game.” If you would like to join us in going “Beyond the Game,” you can  get involved with the Jason Foundation if you or someone you know has been a victim of bullying or if you simply want to learn ways to stop  bullying. Visit the organization’s website at www.jasonfoundation.com to learn more.

Many people are beginning to stand up to bullying, and even the President of the United States is getting involved. Earlier this month, President Obama opened up about his thoughts on bullying on a very popular kids’ television network. Cartoon Network put together an anti-bullying campaign entitled “Stop Bullying: Speak Up.” On March 18, 2012, the President spoke out against bullying in a half-hour film that aired nationally on Cartoon Network. You can catch re-runs of the film on Cartoon Network. 

You now have the opportunity to partner with us and the Jason Foundation, Inc. to raise awareness on bullying and help put a stop to it. Every day, a student is being bullied. It’s time we come together as a community, a state and a nation to stand up to bullies. It’s time we go from Bully to Buddy and Beyond!