Summit aims to help troubled teens stand up to bullies

Many schools' bullying and harassment policies are under scrutiny after recent incidences involving the behavior ended with victims taking their own lives.

However, New Jersey students are taking matters into their own hands and attending the 10th annual Students United for Respect and Equality (SURE) summit to learn ways to prevent bullying, Gloucester County Times reports.

The theme of this year's summit was "Get up, stand up, make it better," and it focused on teaching students to confront bullies and to accept themselves regardless of their race, sexuality or size.

"People can now harass you via text message, Youtube, Facebook, and the results can be deadly," Jim Donovan, keynote speaker of the event, told the news source. "Teen suicide is on the rise."

Programs for troubled teens can help children who are often harassed by giving them a location that is safe and conducive to learning. These sessions can also teach them out to stand up to bullies and boost their self-confidence.

According to a survey conducted by the Cyberbullying Research Center, a total of 7.5 percent of students reported being harassed online in 2009.