Lawmakers propose a response to growth of cyberbullying

Lawmakers propose a response to growth of cyberbullying

Recent coverage in The Vin- dicator (“Dr. Phil’s bullying series includes local girl’s ordeal,” Oct. 7) draws attention to the growing problem of cyberbullying in our society. This latest type of torment involves one child harassing, threatening or intimidating another using text and instant messages, websites and other interactive technologies. A recent tragic event at Rutgers University further highlights the need to address this problem in Ohio.

We have known for years that bullying can have devastating effects on a child’s development, school environment and academic performance. These heartbreaking consequences are only amplified with the addition of cyberbullying that blurs school borders. Students can now bully their classmates from anywhere using their computers and cell phones but the most harmful effects still occur at school where cruel Facebook taunts or text messages are read and spread around.

The National Association of School Psychologists reports that victims of cyberbullying have increased rates of depression, suicidal thoughts and poor academic achievement. These victims are also eight times more likely to bring a gun to school. Moreover, the Cyberbullying Research Center recently surveyed 4,000 students and found 20 percent had experienced cyberbullying in their lifetime.

In the General Assembly, we have heard the tragic stories of students who’ve been victims of cyberbullying. We’ve heard parents and school administrators testify on the destructive consequences this behavior has on our students. That is why we are working on a bill to give schools the tools necessary to combat this destructive practice.

House Bill 520 and Senate Bill 126 outline a more comprehensive definition of bullying, require schools to provide anti-cyberbullying training as part of their current bullying training and allow schools to discipline kids who engage in cyberbullying that causes serious problems at school.

We must protect our students from the devastating effects of cyberbullying to foster a safe and secure learning environment where they can focus on success.

State Rep. Marian Harris, Ohio House District 19

State Rep. Nancy Garland, Ohio House District 20

Signs are a reminder of the good that is being done for the disabled

Hopefully most Mahoning County voters have seen the Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ signs and billboards standing tall and proud at homes and wonderful billboard locations. Those signs are weathering the cold, rain and windy conditions that this season casts upon us. It reminds me so much of this special population who seem to weather conditions that not one of us could even dream about.

While we might be complaining and frowning, our special sons and daughters are full of laughter and smiles and looking only at the beauty of the season. They are attending public schools, being taught to work so they can participate in supported employment, being taught life skills so they can be as independent as possible should they decide they want to live in a group home with friends, working at different job sites offered by very kind businesses who welcome them and their determination to do a good job. Some attend a sheltered workshop or alternative day habilitation program. They look forward to Halloween parties and dances. Special Olympics offers them the opportunity to show off their physical skills with great pride at their accomplishments.

All this and more sounds pretty typical to me. After having my special son around me for 22 years, I guess I should know. How could I not fall madly in love with someone who greets me at the door with kisses and hugs and is so full of love for everyone he meets? He makes all of the people he sees every day feel good about themselves, as somewhere in his divine little heart — he knows people need to feel good.

Oh yes, he’s weathered many a storm, and I have been right beside him to offer my love and support. The Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities (formerly known as the Mahoning County Board of Mental Retardation) has always been his safety net and will allow him to grow even more during his future years as an adult.

Does the public even realize what our board does for this most vulnerable population? Do they realize how many things are offered to provide stability to this population and to those who are not so fortunate to have a family. The dances, parties, library nights, service and support administrators who monitor the quality of their lives. Family Resource Dollars, the employees at the Leonard Kirtz School and the sheltered workshops and alternative day programs, the staff in the different provider homes — all being monitored by Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilties.

The voters have given these children and adults “a gift that just keeps on giving.” On Election Day, during difficult financial times, you will be asked to vote for so many things. Issue 3 is a renewal levy and will not increase your taxes in any way.

Leona Crogan, Youngstown

Library an invaluable resource

I was a stay-at-home, new mom with no car. I set out walking to find the Girard Free Library. When I entered, a woman came out from behind the counter to show me around and helped me do the paperwork (yeah, it was paper back then!) for a library card. And my love affair with the Girard Free Library began.

Our children grew up at the library, first with story times, then book reports or class projects. Today, the kids are grown and on their own.

But, the Girard Free Library is still there with the same services that endeared it to me years ago, plus a lot more — it offers 377 programs. There are reading programs, a book club, talking books, special school programs. Computers are available to everyone at the library. If you need help, the help is there, too.

In the past year, over 16,800 people were assisted with computer usage at the Girard Free Library. Library computers are used by high school students who lack home computers. Times are tough and many people need to file for unemployment benefits — which can only be done online. The staff at the Girard Free Library assists people with using the computers and completing the applications.

The libraries in Ohio have fallen upon hard times. The Girard Free Library has had to cut hours. Over $100,000 has been cut from the book budget. Over $300,000 in funds to run the Girard Free Library has been cut in the past three years.

To prevent further cuts in hours, to purchase books, to keep the computers available and to keep the Girard Free Library open, a 1.5 mill library levy is on the ballot Nov. 2.

The proposed 1.5-mill levy would add about $46 per year in property taxes for a Girard home valued at $100,000. About $3.80 a month — 12 cents a day. It would generate about $216,000 for books, computers, and full library hours.

Maurita Hoffman, Girard