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In your depictions of bullying remember that most youth who are bullied do not have thoughts of suicide or engage in suicidal behaviors. Many factors play into suicidal behavior such as depression, problems at home, and a history of trauma. Although bullying can make these factors more severe it may not be the root cause.

Profile On: Glee

This year Glee was honored with a PRISM Award for its portrayal of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in the episode ‘Born This Way,’ but this episode also took on another important issue: bullying. In the episode, Kurt confronts his bully Karofsky, which leads to a big reveal and explores why Karofsky bullies Kurt in the first place. In true Glee fashion the episode explores these tough issues through song and dance but the ultimate message is one of self-acceptance and the acceptance of others.

Glee’s exploration of bullying in this episode is an important one. Not only does it explore the consequences and self esteem issues that can result from bullying but it also explores the motives of the bully. In this case, Karofsky is bullying Kurt for being gay due to the fact that he is not ready to accept that he is gay himself. The episode showcases a meeting of the parents of both boys in the principal’s office to discuss the issue. This scene allows the audience to explore ways to address bullying in their own lives and to not be afraid of bringing bullying out into the open. The worst thing we can do is pretend that it will just go away.

EIC would like to congratulate Glee on their PRISM Award! Don’t forget to check out the
PRISM Awards Showcase Television Special – click here for the full airing schedule!

For more information on this topic, EIC encourages you to contact our First Draft Services by emailing Ashley Jupin at ajupin@eiconline.org for technical assistance and expert consultation.

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Portions of this Newsletter are adapted from



Picture This: At Risk Youth

• There are two sides to every story. Oftentimes, a bully is dealing with insecurities or problems at home that are causing them to act out negatively towards others. In your depictions, consider ways that you can explore both sides of the story and possibly showcase helping the bully as a way to ultimately stop the harassment of the victim.

• Kids can often be afraid to come forward or are embarrassed to tell their parents that they are being bullied. Remember to showcase the positive outcomes that occur when adults get involved by initiating the conversation about bullying instead of waiting for the child to come forward.

• Bullying can sometimes go unnoticed because it might go unreported. Consider having a bystander or witness to the bullying be the one that comes forward to a teacher or other adult to report it and get help for the victim.