Episode 20: Mermaids Unite! Seastar Roundtable discussion on Bullying with Jenny Mischel, Jessica Elliot & Mel Rose
Anti-Bullying Advocacy Professionals
Jenny Mischel and Jessica Elliot are both professionals working to improve the situation at large with bullying. Jenny comes at this problem through academia. She holds a PHD in Educational Psychology and works as a development coordinator and facilitator with Payton's Project and is a visiting assistant professor at Oxford College at Emory University. Jessica is in the trenches as a school counselor at Fairfax County Public Schools and also works with Jenny and Payton's Project to tackle this dire topic.
With US Hospital Admissions for non fatal self harm for young girls age 10-14 is up 189% and 62% for Girls aged 15-19, Nearly triple what it was in 2009 and Suicide rates for young girls age 10-14 are up 151% and for girls aged 15-19 is up 70% compared to an average from 2001-2011. (Information taken from The Social Dilemma sourced from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). These numbers are terrifying. This data is linked to the onset of constant usage of social media. So with this issue, our girls need us. The time is now to contribute to the solution. You can spread this information, mentor, join a cause like Big Brother Big Sister and then volunteer in schools, or even become a researcher or fundraiser/investor to companies and schools combatting the war on bullying and premature death of children victimized by social dysfunctions.
Mel's experience with bullying as a pre-teen and teenager seemed to set off a vicious cycle for her. One that led her to being further bullied in front of millions of people by the producers of America's Next Top Model. The producers actually told her that past contestants who fought against their edits, like Jade, were ridiculed by the media, and that she should simply "just take it.". But Mel has always fought back against her edit on the show stating that she was served a character portrayal that had lasting public ramifications and mental health damages to her for over a decade. This candid conversation between the 3 ladies is the first time Mel opens up about all of her bullying past and how she has overcome this into a life of happiness and purpose. Jessica, who had a background in fashion as well, quickly realized the truths about the fashion industry and stepped into counseling instead. Jenny also had been bullied as a child. These 3 women courageously share their knowledge, research, and experiences and hopefully shed some light on bullying and cyberbullying today.
Enjoy and please feel free to reach out to any of the women for additional comments, contributions, or volunteering opportunities. Much more to come from this magical trio!
