Help us put a stop to the increasing epidemic that plagues our schools and our society! Millions of children (and adults) all over the world are being bullied every single day. Children who are bullied are forced to live in fear. Fear of ridicule, rejection, direct teasing, threatening comments, physical and sexual abuse. In school, these children are afraid to walk the hallways from classroom to classroom. They are afraid to take the bus or to walk home. Locker rooms, restrooms, stairwells…all scary places to those who have been targeted. These terrified children are students who ultimately do not reach their full potential in a learning environment.
Cyber-bullying has become just as serious. The use of cell phones and social networks make it easy for children to be bullied in their own homes. That which was once a safe haven can become just another avenue for the bully to invade. Bullying has become so unmerciful to some that they feel their only escape is to take their own lives. This not only has children terrified, but parents as well.
Bullying is NOT and should NEVER be considered a normal right-of-passage to growing up. There is a huge difference between everyday conflicts among kids and hurtful bullying. Bullying is intentional cruelty, harassment, and emotional, physical and sometimes sexual abuse. This behavior can set the tone for a lifetime of intentional cruelty or worse. The consequences to the victim can seriously affect them for the rest of their lives.
Bikers Against Bullying believes that it is important to set programs in place at schools and other educational facilities that address bullying. Getting help early on for those who show chronic bullying behavior, and help for those who have been bullied, is extremely important. It may help ensure a happy and successful future and instill values that develop contributing members of society.
This is how we operate:
1. If your a child being bullied, a concerned parent, a concerned teacher or school administrator, then please contact Sherry Bourgoin at 207-242-7260 or Stephen Marois at 207-504-1631
2. A date will then be scheduled and We will then organize a "Ride In" to your school. This consist of concerned motorcyclist willing to take time off from work to show support for this important cause.
3. It is our goal to attempt to provide each child a Bikers Against Bullying t-shirt, but we need help with the expense of this. Sponsors willing to cover this expense is a must. Fundraisers can also be organized to help. Concerts, Lawn Sales, Auctions, a Lemonade Stand for that matter. All attempts to raise funds for this cause is welcomed.
4. On the day of the "Ride In", RIDIN' STEEL will address the children as to how our program began and what we are about. We also offer our BULLY BUSTER Program headed off by Martial Artist Brent Crisci. Brent offers a fun filled way of teaching our young how to avoid being Bullied and also incorporates a simple presentation that is inclusive to the children present.
Our program is unique and effective. It is our belief that if we can help just one child, then we have succeeded. The students love the parade of motorcycles and the people that ride them. I have personally had many children approach me to not only thank us, but to also admit that they were partaking in some form of bullying, with a promise to work hard to change. Many do not want to be a Bully, they just didn't realize that they were contributing to it. It's all about spreading the message of respect and civility.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
Special thanks to Bob & Nanci at B&B Embroidery in Oakland, ME for handling production and sale of these special shirts. To order online please visit their website at
Pictured above is Stephen Marois President of RIDIN' STEEL BIKERS AGAINST BULLYING.
Bullying is a serious problem. Children are taking their own lives in some cases and we simply cannot ignore this. Please do your part to be a positive presence in their lives.
Recent photo the Principal of Gardiner Middle School, Gardiner Maine speaking about the issue of bullying in our schools today as he introduces the Bikers Against Bullying program at the Ride in on June 8, 2015.
A few Bikers that support the cause. Bullying doesn't discriminate, it affects everyone.
Bully Buster Master Brent Crisci gets the kids pumped up with his Bully Buster presentation. The demonstration Master Crisci performs with the kids is eye opening and gets the audience thinking about the lasting effects of bullying.
Megan and Brittney, two champions that broke the silence with their personal stories about being bullied in school. This was the beginning and creation of Bikers Against Bullying. Thank you both for your courage. You have truly made an impact by standing up and speaking out. You are an inspiration in encouraging others to come forward.
1 out of 4 teens is bullied;
9 out of 10 students have experienced harassment at school and/or online;
As many as 160,000 students stay home on any given day because they're afraid of being bullied;
1 out of 5 kids admits to being a bully, or doing some "bullying";
43% fear harassment in the bathroom at school;
282,000 students are physically attacked in secondary schools each month;
More youth violence occurs on school grounds as opposed to on the way to school;
80% of the time, an argument with a bully will end up in a physical fight;
1/3 of students surveyed said they heard another student threaten to kill someone; and
2 out of 3 say they know how to make a bomb, or know where to get the information to do it.
| CYBER-BULLYING 2015|
25% of teenagers reported they have been repeatedly bullied via cell phone or online.
Embarrassing or damaging photographs have been taken without knowledge or subjects consent have been reported by 11% or adolescents and teens.
95% of teens who have witnessed bullying on social media report having ignored the behavior.
Of those who reported bullying 33% report the bullies issued online threats
More than 50% of adolescents and teens surveyed stated they never confide in their parents when cyber bullying occurs
More 33% of victims feel vengeful, almost equal feel angry and 20% feel hopeless.
Maine has as one of the highest incidence of high school students bullied online
| PLAYGROUND 2015|
Every 7 minutes a child is bullied:
only 4 out 100 adults will intervene - 4%
Peer intervention – 11%
No intervention - 85%
8% of middle school students admit to skipping school at least once due to fear of bullying.