Deidre Edmunds - Platform Statement

Name:  Deidre Edmunds

Title:    Miss Magic Valley

Anti-Bullying — “S.T.A.M.P.” Out Bullying

My freshman year of high school appeared to be going fantastically. I was a cheerleader with all my friends, recently promoted to the senior dance team, always had plans on the weekend, and felt that I was finally starting to find my niche. Around Christmas, a new girl came to my dance studio because she was planning on moving to Twin Falls, so I decided it was my opportunity to make a new friend. I invited her out with my friends that night. After a night of socializing and fun, I happily returned and proceeded to check my email. It was in those few seconds that everything flipped upside down. All of my “best” friends had gotten together and emailed me a list of all the things they did not like and why they no longer wanted to be friends. I tried to call and talk with anyone, only to be directed to answering machine after answering machine. I thought maybe this would blow over but returning to school proved differently.

It took the rest of my freshman year to pull myself together, figure out who my friends were, and not become a victim to a group of cheerleaders. I never told anyone besides my friends and parents what happened because I did not think I would receive help. Because of this experience, I understand the need exists to educate students on the effects of bullying and how to create a friendly environment in their school. As Miss Magic Valley, I presented numerous workshops to over 8,000 students at elementary, junior high and high schools, church groups, and at student council conferences. I also shared this important message with the news media and at multiple public events. I have become an anti-bullying mentor in my community.

Bullying is plaguing the rising generation. In Idaho, bullying statistics grow every year. In 2011, 76 percent of students were bullied and reported bullying increased from 20 to 23 percent in Idaho public schools. Bullying has spread and is considered more than just being picked on at recess. Bullying is also common through the new social media. Seventeen percent of Idaho students report being a victim of some sort of electronic or online bullying. Bullying has serious effects on the physical and emotional health of adolescent students. Twenty-seven percent of Idaho students have felt so sad or helpless that they have stopped attending their usual activities, 13 percent have made plans to attempt suicide, and seven percent have attempted suicide.

My experience was trying because I was alone. My goal is for students to be aware their teachers and principal care about them. The faculty wants to protect them. A student is bullied every seven minutes, but at this point the student has a choice. They can choose to be a victim or stand up in confidence. During my presentation, I focus on the importance of letting the teachers know what is going on because they care. That alone is comforting to students.

Bullying can be better monitored, contained, and prevented through education. I have seen a difference in the schools where I have talked. Students want to know more about bullying and how to create a happier environment. These students realize there is a problem, either because they have been a witness or bullied themselves. Students ask questions about what to do in certain situations and provide ideas to keep bullying at bay in their school. Principals at these schools relay that they have noticed a difference in their students.

Bullying can be prevented though education and support, especially when community members band together. As Miss Idaho, I (along with Flat Fred) plan to continue educating students as well as help create community-wide strategies to overcome bullying. As a state, we can help identify and support children who are bullied; redirect the behavior of children who bully; and change the attitudes of adults and youth who tolerate bullying behaviors in peer groups, schools, and communities.  Bullying is a serious problem facing today’s generation. Now is the time to S.T.A.M.P. Out Bullying.