Community Corner

Rampant Bullying Problem? Share Your Story

In the wake of David Hernandez Barros' death, bullying brought to the forefront in East Hampton.

Bullying is on the forefront of everyone's minds after David Hernandez Barros, a junior at East Hampton High School, died on Sept. 29. 

In a story in The East Hampton Star on Thursday, Carmita Barros confirmed rumors that her son was bullied by other students because of his sexual orientation. She claims school administrators did not do enough to stop it.

The school has not issued a response. 

Find out what's happening in East Hamptonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

What is your response? We know bullying happens in high schools across the country, but do you feel it's a rampant problem at schools in the Town of East Hampton? If you have a story you'd like to share — you may do so below or email the author.

The Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth network announced Tuesday that it will host a meeting at East Hampton High School on Oct. 22 at 6 p.m.

Find out what's happening in East Hamptonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

David Kilmnick, the chief executive officer of the network, said that nationally 90-percent of gay teens feel bullied to some degree. Gay teens are also three times more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual peers, he said.

But he said East Hampton School District has been amongst the most proactive district, holding sensitivity workshops, and forming Gay Straight Alliances in both the high school and middle school.

What can we as a community do about bullying? Tell us in the comments below.

Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also visit The Trevor Project's website, a national organization providing support to LGBT youth, or call them at 1-866-488-7386. And if you're worried about a friend on Facebook, you can report troubling posts. They'll connect your friend with a representative from National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

 


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