My name is Marissa and I'm a survivor of suicide attempts due to bullying. I've worn the invisible scars of severe school bullying, and I've wrestled with suicidal thoughts since the age of 15. I've seen the terror in a mother's eyes as she opened my door to find her child lifeless, only narrowly bringing me back from the brink. Unfortunately, countless families aren't as lucky, and they are left to grieve in the wake of tragedy because the bullies responsible go unpunished. 

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young individuals aged between 10-34 years in the United States. According to statistics, 1 in 4 teens and young adults struggle with suicidal thoughts. The horrifying reality is that these numbers stem, at least in part, from the relentless and sometimes merciless bullying in our schools. I experienced this firsthand at the University of Idaho, where my bullies, fully aware of my despair, continued their cruelty.

Nothing will change unless we demand it. We must push for schools to hold bullies accountable for their actions, implementing severe consequences that match their heinous act. We must insist on criminal charges in cases where bullying leads to suicide, self-harm, or severe emotional suffering. Lastly, we should all strive to end the stigma surrounding mental health and seek to amplify beneficial resources. It is our job to ensure the younger generation knows that help is out there and that they are never alone in their battles.

We cannot continue letting our grieving families, friends, and students bear the brunt of a system that continuously fails to hold bullies accountable. Please join me in standing against school bullying and the devastating consequences it can lead to. Sign this petition.