Celebrities Send Messages of Hope to Bullied Teens

Bullies have caused untold suffering for decades, but a recent spate of teen suicides has turned the spotlight on the epidemic of bullying in school. Although child psychologists and other experts have long warned parents of the dangers of teen bullying, a number of celebrities have joined the anti-bullying crusade in hopes of ending the suffering.

• Reflecting on the recent suicide of a gay teen reportedly caused by endless tormenting by bullies, talk show host Ellen DeGeneres said, “We have an obligation to change this. There are messages everywhere that validate this kind of bullying and taunting and we have to make it stop. We can't let intolerance and ignorance take another kid's life."
• Columnist and author Dan Savage started the “It Gets Better Project,” sending the message to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth that whatever they’re going through will get better. Other celebrities have lent their voice to the cause, including actress Anne Hathaway, singers Jewel, Ke$ha and Eve, Sarah Silverman, Ashley Tisdale, and Project Runway’s Tim Gunn, to be a source of support and hope for bullied teens.
• Actor Zachary Quinto tells teens, “There is help to be found. There are places to turn to. There are people who will listen.”
• On “Larry King Live,” comedian Kathy Griffin stated, “I believe there's a connection between Prop 8, 'don't ask, don't tell,' and now the string of teen suicides. It's almost sanctioned to bully gay people and treat them as second-class citizens.”
• Chris Colfer of “Glee” shared his thoughts on YouTube: “I know what it's like to be bullied and teased every single day. And I know that it may seem like there is no chance at happiness left. But I promise you there is a world full of acceptance and love just waiting for you to find it.”

The goal of these efforts is to let bullied teens know that even when suicide feels like the only option, they are not alone and there is support available to them. Bullying is not their fault and no one deserves to fall prey to such cruelty. These teens are victims who need help in the form of counseling, peer support, teacher intervention, therapeutic programs for teens and parental involvement.