When it happened, Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey called it an “unspeakable tragedy,” and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres demanded, “something must be done.”
Something was done -- in an instant, schools began to tighten up their rules and penalties regarding bullying.
In New York City, then Chancellor Joel I. Klein enforced his initiative known as “Respect for All,” which assigns a mandatory two-day principal’s suspension for any act that resembles bullying.
These actions were spurred by the tragic death of Tyler Clementi, the 18-year-old Rutgers student who, a year ago, leapt from the George Washington Bridge after being humiliated and cyberbullied by his roommate, who livestreamed a video of him kissing another guy.
He complained to the proper authorities and yet no actions were taken. 15 hours after he penned his complaints online, he took his life.
Last year, around this time, four boys took their own lives, in each case after being bullied about their sexual orientation.
Asher Brown and Seth Walsh, were both 13 years old, Billy Lucas, 15, Raymond Chase 19.
In a move seen as a way to honor their memories, launched an app aimed at discouraging teens from bullying in person and on-line.
The app, called “Stop Bullying: Speak Up Social Pledge App” offers information on preventing the spread of cyberbullying and asks teens to sign a pledge to speak up if the witness bullying.
"The Stop Bullying: Speak Up Social Pledge App is rooted in the fact that students, educators and parents have the power to stop bullying by speaking up when they see it occur," said Facebook vice president of global public policy Marne Levine.
‘Stop Bullying,’ the app is available here.
Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or visit stopbullying.gov.