Gay-Straight Alliance Network

Website Details
Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Network, founded in 1998, is a youth organization that was created to ensure safe environments in schools for students to support each other and fight against discrimination, harassment, and bullying in schools.  Middle schools report that more youth are coming out or questioning sexuality at younger ages across the country.  Research shows that students with GSA clubs at their schools feel safer and more supported from peers and staff.

Review
A comprehensive website that gives a history about the GSA Network and information about the student-run club on what they are doing to provide a safe place for socialization and to fight against homophobia.  Additionally, information is given on the steps to take so students can start their own GSA clubs to create safer school environments.  News, events, and resources are provided so students can get involved.
 
Interest Age/Reading Level
Suitable for grades 7-12

Gay-Straight Alliance Network. (2011). Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Retrieved March 18, 2011, from http://gsanetwork.org/

Teen Cyberbullying Investigated

Book Details
Teen Cyberbullying Investigated by Tom Jacobs gives the details on what can and has happened to peers and what the consequences are of cyberbullying.  Increased cell phone use, and Internet growth with web sites like YouTube, MySpace, and FaceBook offer the 21st century tween and teen an abundance of freedom.  But with freedom comes responsibility.  New technology also presents new ways for people to be bully and be bullied.

Review
This book lists federal, and state laws about cyberbulling and presents real life cases of tweens and teens who were harassed or caught harassing others online, in a text, or using a cell phone and the prices they paid.  Important information for tweens/teens to know is presented

Interest Age/Reading Level
Suitable for grades 6-8 and above.

Jacobs, T. A. (2010). Teen cyberbullying investigated: where do your rights end and consequences begin?. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Pub..

Pacer Kids Against Bullying

Website Details
Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) presents Kids Against Bullying, an interactive website where kids can get information on how to fight bullying.  The website includes Games and Fun, Contests, Watch This, Kids Say, and Smart Stuff.  Games and Fun has scrabble and word find games along with tales about bullying.  The Contest section has entries for poetry and artwork.  Kids Say features videos and real stories from other tweens.  Smart Stuff talks about what bullying is and isn't, who does it and why, and what you can do to spot it and stop it.  The site even offers a place to take a pledge and sign a petition showing you are against bullying.

Review
An informative site that event features Demi Lovato, Disney star from Sonny with a Chance and Camp Rock.  Demi, who was bullied in middle school, tells how she overcame verbal harassment and bullying to become the strong person she is today. Demi encourages everyone to help put an end to bullying.

Interest Age/Reading Level
Suitable for grades 3-7, older tweens can also visit  http://www.pacerteensagainstbullying.org/

kidsAgainstBullying. (2011). kidsAgainstBullying. Retrieved March 18, 2011, from http://www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.

Love is Louder

Website Details
Created by actress Brittany Snow,The Jed Foundation and MTV in support of the many tragic teen  suicides in September 2010, #Love is Louder shouts out that love and support are powerful weapons.  Brittany, who herself was bullied and mistreated in middle school, offers encouragement to speak out against bullying. The website includes pictures, shirts, and videos that support the Love is Louder campaign. While many celebrities from Pink to Kellan Lutz from Twilight have made love is louder videos, anyone can join in by uploading a brief video (30 seconds or less) at http://your.mtv.com/ or by joining in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter* . 

Review 
Sometimes you can not stop the internal and external voices that bring you down, but remember love is louder! Included on the website are many valuable resources that can help you deal with harassment, depression or thoughts of suicide.

Interest Age/Reading Level
Suitable for more mature tweens, grades 6-8.

Love is Louder. (2010). Love is Louder. Retrieved March 18, 2011, from http://www.loveislouder.com/

Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain!

 

DVD Details
Trevor Romain gives tips on how to deal with bullies in this DVD based on his book, Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain.  Jack doesn't want to go to Tovar Junior High School because of a bully named Henry.  He learns from Trevor and his friend, Skye, that hiding, ignoring, and fighting are not the way to fight bullies.  Myths  and truths about bullying are explained and advice on what to do instead is given.  There are also special features such as a message from the author, music videos, and a resource guide for both parents and teachers to use.

Review
Great advice on how to stand up for yourself, and the importance of self confidence is portrayed in humorous fashion. Romain dispenses advice as a character in the story helping to bring it to life.

Interest Age/Reading Level
Suitable for grades 4-8.

Romain, T. (Director). (2008). Trevor Romain: Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain. [DVD]. United States of America. Porchlight Home Ent.