Kids Can Stop Bullying and Win Big in Video Contest

Bullying has become a huge issue in America. With the advent of the Internet, social media and cell phones, bullies now have new ways to torment their victims and recent national headlines show that the torment can lead to suicide for the victims who feel like there is no place left to go.

of being bullied at Austell's Garrett Middle School to the point that she had to drop out of school. Her bullies would send her Facebook messages telling her that she should kill herself and after a while, she began to wonder if maybe they were right. But the loving family that Kimmey has stepped in.

Dan Savage recently created the "It Gets Better" project to give gay students hope from gay and gay-friendly celebrities that it will get better for them despite any bullying or teasing they may receive in school.

Also, the recently released documentary, Bully, stirred emotions and action from many who saw it.

In a New York Times movie review of Bully, A. O. Scott wrote, "'Just kids being kids' can no longer be an acceptable response to the kind of sustained physical and emotional abuse that damages the lives of young people whose only sin is appearing weak or weird to their peers."

The Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention invite youth ages 13 to 18 to create 30- to 60-second public service announcements as part of the Stop Bullying Video Challenge. Video submissions should showcase ways the youth are taking action against bullying and promoting kindness and respect within their communities. The grand prize is $2,000 and two runner-ups will each receive $500. The three winning videos will be featured on stopbullying.gov. Entries must be received by 11 p.m. E.T. on October 14, 2012.

Resources:

View complete contest details.

Learn more about the national effort to address bullying and access bullying prevention resources