NYS Anti-bullying Legislation

DISCLAIMER: While we certainly welcome everyone's support and awareness on this issue, please only sign the petition if you are a resident of New York State.

  As a result of an overwhelmingly powerful presentation made by John Halligan, whose 13-year-old son Ryan tragically committed suicide as a result of depression, stemming from years of unrelenting bullying and harassment, it has come to the attention of our school that New York is one of the few states that has yet to enact any anti-bullying legislation (41 states currently have at least one anti-bullying law on the books). 

   In a related tragedy, Long Island lost another teenager just this month, Alexis Pilkington, who was reportedly a victim of cyber-bullying.  

  This petition is an effort to encourage the New York State Legislature to pass a clearly defined anti-bullying law, addressing the issue of cyber-bullying as well.  Please help us set in motion a change aimed at protecting what we value most of all- our children & students.

Julia Watson

Health Teacher

Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District

• To read about the very personal tragedy experienced by Ryan Halligan and his family visit http://www.ryansstory.org/
  
• For more information about anti-bullying laws (or lack thereof) in the U.S. visit http://www.bullypolice.org/

• To send a personalized e-mail to your State Senator visit http://www.nysenate.gov/
  
• To send a personalized e-mail to your State Assembly Member visit http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/