Anti-bullying organization Generations Against Bullying got its name from the idea that bullying did not begin in the current generation of students, and it likely won’t end with this generation, either.
But that does not mean that the group, known as GAB, isn’t working to reduce the frequency and impact of bullying.
“The scars from bullying last a lifetime,” said James Dean, executive assistant for GAB.
Scars left on Ashley Bunge's body from suicide attempts are there because of bullying, Bunge said.
“I prayed every night when I went to sleep to not wake up," Bunge said.
"I woke up every day angry that I was alive."
Bullying drover her to the suicide attempts, Bunge said.
"I've been to rock bottom and anything after that's up."
Now, she calls life precious. Her turning point came when she discovered GAB; she now works with the Milwaukee-based group.
“I have a purpose” now, she said. She hopes to help others who face bullying.
The message from GAB is that witnesses to bullying should intervene.
If a witness steps in and asks a bully to stop his or her abuse, the situation will end within ten seconds more than 50 percent of the time, according to stopbullying.gov.
“Don't walk away or shy away,” Dead said.
GAB asks bystanders to “get involved in a non-threatening way."
Nearly 30 percent of students in grades six through twelve are bullied, according to stopbullying.gov.
