Skateboard Company Declares War On Bullying

Bullying in the United States has taken center stage in recent years with evidence coming to light that youth who are bullied experience increases in mental health issues, negative physical performance, poor school performance, depression, anxiety and changes to eating and sleeping patterns. In contrast, those who bully are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs, have criminal convictions and engage in other risky behaviors that endanger themselves. Whether bullied or bullying, it is clear that youth who are impacted by these behaviors lack feelings of self worth and self-value that all youth should know. Further, the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice’s - whose name alone indicates the direct relationship between mental health and incarceration in youth – estimates that up to 70% of youth in the justice system have a diagnosable mental health disorder, and often no support at home. These disorders, lack of resources, low-income households and poor family structure can express themselves in many ways from depression to violence to bullying.