SAN DIEGO — Viewer Discretion Advised: Some viewers may find the material in the PSA video offensive.
October is National Bullying Prevention month, and a new graphic PSA is giving viewers a chance to experience just how damaging bullying can be.
The video, "The Epidemic," allows viewers to be interactive by allowing them to input in their number and receive the same hateful messages from the bullies in the video.
The PSA video was produced by Monica Lewinski, and it was released during the same week in which a ten-year-old in Santa Ana reportedly took her life after being harassed.
While bullying exists in different forms with cellphones, text messages and social media, psychiatrist Dr. Michael Lardon said gone are the days of leaving the bullies at school.
"Now the kids never really get to go home, so it never stops," he said.
New numbers show 37% of kids between 12 and 17 have been bullied online. Thirty-percent said it happened more than once.
Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed three laws at preventing bullying and suicides, but Dr. Lardon said the conversation should start at home.
"Don't make a judgment. Try to learn what is going on in their world," said DR. Lardon.
As in the PSA video, parents are advised to look for signs of change in their son's or daughter's behavior.
Most importantly for everybody: Don't wait until it is too late to speak up.
The video also connects viewers with tips on how to help someone who is going through a tough time.