Jaheem Herrera

This story is absolutely heartbreaking. This is the second story in the last few weeks about kids committing suicide because they were being bullied. Earlier in the month, Joseph Walker-Hoover also committed suicide due to ruthless bullying. I know we do the very best we can to teach kids to get along and to be respectful, but in too many cases all of that good work is not reinforced at home. Again I ask, where is the accountability for parents? Our kids are really good about letting us know if they are being bothered. They know we'll do something to help them. Thankfully, the kids don't have the "no snitching" mentality. I think we've done a pretty good job instilling in our kids a sense of what's right and what's wrong. It's not about snitching, it's about taking care of each other and taking care of ourselves. It's important that we, the adult role models and protectors, never tolerate bullying, hate speech, name calling, or put downs. I feel very good knowing that we are doing all we can to protect kids. No more kids should feel the need to take their lives because they feel no one will help them. Rest in peace Jaheem and Joseph.