Student members of the Patchogue-Medford High School's Anti-Bullying Club and the Gay-Straight Alliance recently participated in a 'Day of Silence' to promote awareness of bullying and ways to stop it.
Five student representatives from the clubs spoke to different classes throughout the day. The students recalled their personal experiences of harassment, what they've learned and how to prevent future attacks.
Many other students throughout the High School wore signs around their neck stating that they would not speak as a sign of solidarity.
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Riley Straw, Vice President of the Anti-Bullying Club and the Gay-Straight Alliance, noted that the 'Day of Silence' began as a national anti-bullying movement 15 years ago.
"It started from a group of people who were tired of being harassed and being silenced. They were not allowed to be who they are and they had enough. We're speaking out to the classes today to raise awareness about the 'Day of Silence' and to tell people that they are not alone," Straw said.
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Ashley Rolf, President of the Gay-Straight Alliance Club, agreed that people need to become more aware of the growing problem of bullying.
"So many people in this world have been silenced permanently because of who they are, because of what they can't control, because of what they can't change. We are being silent for them to shed light on the issue and to bring about a better, positive change. Silence is a lot louder than people believe," Rolf said.
