Children Continue to Harm Themselves

We have much work to do because the current situation for many children is quite dismal. Despite all the amazing antibullying programs that have been implemented, why are our children and grandchildren still suffering? Why are bullying incidents causing so many children to despise themselves and fail to thrive?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, pediatric suicide rates have increased significantly in the U.S., nearly tripling between 2007 and 2017 among children ages 10 to 14 years. Roughly 157,000 individuals between the ages of 10 and 24 receive emergency medical care for intentional self-inflicted injuries.

According to the National Bullying Prevention Center, bullying can start as early as preschool and peak in third grade. The problems our children face with bullying can become life-threatening and the stigma attached to being a victim can be extremely hard to overcome for many individuals.

Recent Tragedies & Lawsuits

Gabriel was 8 years old in 2017 when he hanged himself with a necktie in his Cincinnati home. His family subsequently won a $3 million federal lawsuit against the district, the school’s principal, assistant principal, and a school nurse.

After Diego Stolz, 13, was bullied to death in 2019, his family sued the California middle school. The lawsuit was just settled in September 2023 for $27 million.

In 2020, an 18-year-old girl won a $1 million lawsuit against her former middle school in ElSegundo, California, for failing to protect her from bullies.

In 2021, an elementary school parent filed a $1 million lawsuit against a school district in Santa Clarita, California, alleging the district failed to properly address a multiyear issue of bullying involving his sons.

Bullying in schools is not only a moral and ethical issue but also a legal and financial one. School districts have a duty to protect the rights and well-being of their students and to prevent and respond to bullying effectively. By doing so, they can avoid costly and damaging lawsuits and create a safer and more positive learning environment for everyone.

Confident Life Program is Designed to Help Students Thrive

We are now in a crisis of bullying, and the best way to handle this problem is by introducing a new curriculum to children during their formative years. Just like learning a new language, young children can absorb the critical lessons of inclusion, empathy, fair play, bullying awareness, and more, with the Confident Life™ Program.

We are very excited that the pilot program will begin later this month at one of the Cooperative Charter Schools in the San Diego Unified School District! The antibullying program for K-3rd grade students is a 9-week program designed to reduce and prevent bullying for students and to help them thrive through their adolescent years.

Already winning the prestigious Family Seal of Approval Award for Innovation in Curriculum by the Child Safety Network®, this program is applauded by teachers and child psychologists. It has been noted that the characters in this storytelling-style curriculum are very lovable and relatable. But one of the best features of this program, according to school representatives, is how detailed and simple the program is for teachers to administer to their K-3 rd grade
students.

We are all looking forward to the results from the pilot program and are also looking for two more primary schools interested in receiving the pilot program. Interested schools should contact Motivated To Act CEO, Stephen Tako at Stephen@MotivatedToAct.org for more details.

How You Can Help Save Lives

National Day of Giving is Tuesday, November 28, 2023! We are also asking companies & individuals to consider supporting Motivated To Act as their Year-End Charity Recipient. We need your financial support for several important projects.

1) Production of anti-bullying Public Service Announcements, relatable to children
2) Supply backpacks with school supplies to underserved children
3) Provide the Confident Life™ Program to schools in underserved communities

We are in a race against time with children needing our services and programs. There is no time to wait when it comes to saving lives and your support is needed and appreciated. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

Join the MTA CLub

Want to participate all year and be the first to learn about our new developments? Join the MTA Club by registering to donate each month through our website. Click the link and then check the box to Make this a monthly donation. For a limited time, MTA Club membership is open to any monthly amount of $10 or more.