Today, Senator Klein and I were off on our "Click, Comment, Create Change" tour.We made stops at charter schools across New York City to talk with students about cyberbullying and get them online to participate. Today, through a new partnership with the New York City Charter Schools, all students at charter schools across the area will log on and participate in the census!
For those who don't know, here's a recap of our Cyberbully Census: students across New York State can log on at www.nycyberbullycensus.com and fill out a 20 question survey about cyberbullying. They will get to share ideas on how to create a law and help us to build data and statistics that will assist in pushing our new bill through the Senate. Senator Klein will be using the actual results and suggestions from this survey to craft the legislation
We spent all day speaking with students. My dear friend Parry Aftab was there to show everyone just how much students know about the issue. With one exercise, it took only two minutes in each school for students to generate a list of ten ways to cyberbully someone with a cellphone. Parry had students share why they don't look to adults for help. After sharing my story of being cyberbullied by an ex-boyfriend for almost two years by way of cellphone, we explained just how this census is going to change the way we handle this issue.
At each school we were joined by local elected officials who have signed on to support this effort. They each shared their own stories of bullying, and some talked about handling cyberbullying with their own children.
We are asking students to take the lead in ending this epidemic. We in New York hope to change the way lawmakers across the country handle issues of cyberbullying and bullying by directly including students in the conversation. Because, hey...as much as Senator Klein or any lawmakers wants to help, they did not grow up in the digital age. No one knows this issue like those who live with it every day.
You have got to watch this clip where Senator Adams asks a room full of fourth and third graders if they have Facebook. Note that half (yes, half!) the students raised their hand. Listen to the reaction from the parents and staff: Miss NY, State Senators Visit Bed-Stuy Carter to Take on Cyber Bullying
As important as it is to bring awareness to the issue of bullying and cyberbullying, and even share our own stories and experiences as offerings of hope...the thing that matters most now is doing something about it. Our team is committed to doing more than just repeat the rhetoric of the issue. This census has allowed me to partner every single bullying presentation I've done this year with an opportunity for students to take the lead and become part of the answer.
Because youth leadership is what Miss New York is all about.
Thank you to the teachers, administrators, local officials, and especially the students from today's tour!! Your participation and support is going to help individuals all over our state, and perhaps help us build a model that will save lives nation-wide!
As always, thank you to Senator Klein and Parry. I couldn't have asked for a better team to make my platform a reality.
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