Dear Annie: The reports of teens being bullied and committing suicide are distressing. Bullying is not a new problem, but it’s a different world these days because of social media, which I call “unsocial” media.
My oldest grandson is now 35 and has a fantastic life. My youngest grandson, “Joe,” will graduate from high school this year. The “unsocial” media makes a tremendous difference. With the oldest grandson, when he was bullied, the police got involved when the school was ineffective. That made the difference, especially in calling off the bullies before it was too late.
With Joe, after the family had enough bullying, they went to the school, and he was given special privileges for protection for the school year. He is more confident about safe and unsafe places and does not have this now. He has a small group of friends he contacts directly. He is transported to and from school by family and stays off the “unsocial” media. If there is anything about him on it, he doesn’t see it. Anyone who would be influenced by it wouldn’t be a friend. The bullies are shown to be what they are.
Media only has the power you give it. He spends his time studying, which is a positive. He will graduate with honors soon and looks forward to college with mature people and hopes the bullies mature also.
The internet is there forever, apparently, and will follow the bullies, not the victim. The past can resurface, especially on the political scene, and can cost the bullies dearly. — Proud Grandma
Dear Proud Grandma: Your grandson certainly sounds like a brave young man. I am printing your letter because you highlight some very important points. Bullying is extremely serious and needs to be taken as such. By getting your grandson the necessary help, you might have saved his life.
Dear Annie: Below are some suggestions for people who would like to help out homeless cats and dogs: — Donate money.
— Donate your time.
— Donate food, canned or dry.
— Donate litter.
— Donate so the shelter can afford to spay and neuter.
— Have your children, the neighborhood kids or the class at school hold a fundraiser and donate the money.
Hold a bake sale, candy sale or car wash, or just bring in all your pennies. Every little bit helps. In doing this, you will be making the next generation aware of the problem. Maybe they can help prevent this problem in the future.
It’s a good idea to call the shelter and ask how you can help or what they need. Rags? Toys? Scratching posts? Food or litter? Climbing posts? — Concerned Animal Lover
Dear Concerned Animal Lover: All great suggestions to help with a very serious problem. Sign me an animal lover as well. Let’s all be kind to each other and all living beings. Thank you!
Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.
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