HAVE YOU EVER BEEN A VICTIM OF BULLYING?

PERHAPS YOU'VE BEEN A BULLY YOURSELF

. OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WE WILL SPEAK TO VICTIMS,

AND FIND OUT WHAT EXPERTS HAVE TO SAY ON THIS MOUNTING PUBLIC CONCERN.

 HERE'S

NEWSWATCH'S MAEGEN KULCHAR.

Jenny Henderson never though the idea of suicide would cross her mind-- but just two years ago it did.

jenny henderson:

"I don't think anyone realises that depression and suicide and all those low feelings will personally hit them, everyone thinks that will never happen to me, but it did"

As a bubbly outgoing student in grade nine at Regiopolis Notre Dame, she spent the first two years getting involved in her school as well as extra curricular activities...and by grade 11 she decided to run for head girl.

Jenny Henderson:

"Everyone knew that Jenny Henderson wanted to be head girl, all my friends had my back and I had lots of support"

But the friends she once had, quickly turned against her for unknown reasons.

Jenny Henderson:

"I had hate campaigns against me and people saying Jenny sucks,never vote for her, ripping down by banners, my posters"

Although she says her teachers were

supportive, Henderson

says the bullying got so bad, she felt like she couldn't take it anymore.

Jeny Henderson:

"It got to the point where i actually almost committed suicide, but then I realised that I had people there for me"

she found support by reaching out to friend

s and family.

Mrs Cathy Henderson:

"She was bullied and I think a lot of kids are bullied, I think that's such a sadly common thing nowadays, so we've talked to her from the beginning to be kind to people and treat them like you would want to be treated"

It's support like this that Queen's Psychologist and researcher Wendy Craig says makes coping with the issue that much easier.

Wendy Craig:

"So helping them build those bridges where they can communicate their experiences and talk about what's happened to them in a safe and caring and loving environment and be recognised for the strengths they may have"

Craig says

early intervention can go a long way, and in some cases save

lives.

Wendy Craig:

"Keep reminding them that this is not their fault, there's no shame, it's not about them its about somebody else"

Henderson has created

'The Reminder Project'- an on-line bullying prevention site that acts as a support group for those going through similar situations she did.

Jenny Henderson:

"I feel like anyone can bounce back and I feel like with the help and support of others they can really get through anything"

With over 1500 people 'liking' her page, a twitter account, tumbler page and bracelets, Henderson is hoping to get the message across, and put a stop to bullying for once and for all.

Maegen Kulchar ckws newswatch Kingston.