Being a local titleholder is a big blessing, and I don't take for granted that being a titleholder gives me an opportunity to talk about my personal platform of Happy Kids Safe Schools, which is my mission to help students, parents and schools understand how important it is to rid our communities of bullying.
Recent results from a study called "Teens, Kindness and Cruelty on Social Network Sites" seems to confirm what we already know about teenagers and the internet: many teens and children are having terrible experiences online, leaving them depressed, isolated and hurting when they show up at school to face their peers in real life. Most studies show that the majority of teenagers have had a least one experience with bullying online.
Along with fighting to change the way we try to prevent bullying, I also work hard to change common perceptions about pageant girls. The fact is, pageants put a big spotlight on physical appearance - there is really no way to say that is doesn't. The important thing to realize, though, is that physical appearance isn't the only thing that matters. Interview and talent make up a huge part of our scores, and those things have a lot more to with substance than just looking good in a swimsuit. Don't get me wrong, I like feeling good when I put on a swimsuit, on the pageant stage or on the beach.
The new book Modelland by Tyra Banks takes on some of the issues about stereotypes and body image, and I think the best part is that these types of books really help open the dialogue between teens and their parents, which is so important. I heard on the View that some parents and teens are even reading Modelland together, and it is these types of strong family relationships that keep everyone safe and healthy.
But bullying doesn't stop when we graduate from high school. Today I heard an interview with Dr. Oz and he mentioned Tyra's book. He went on to say that adult bullying is also a problem, and that adults can be just a mean when it comes to tearing down a colleagues self image and self confidence.
Kids don't live in Modelland, and I don't live in pageantland, so it is most important to stay focused on what we can do in real life, in our schools and communities to make a difference in the lives of child. For me, I love being a titleholder, and I love the way my four-pointed crown lets me have the power of a personal platform and a year-long focus on community service. Many of you will find those volunteer opportunities in other places, and I love that, too. Just keep pushing forward, keep looking for ways to keep kids happy and safe in their schools, and stand up for the people you love by taking a stand against bullying.
Look for me on missamerica4kids.org to to be part of my fundraising efforts for the Children's Miracle Network, and learn more about my efforts to stomp out bullying by clicking the Happy Kids Safe Schools tab at the top of the blog.
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