Kirkland Junior High School students recently learned that cyber bullying can lead to tragic results, including suicide.

On Dec. 2, Taproot Theatre’s Road Company came to the school to teach students the serious consequences of cyber bullying with its new education touring play, New Girl. The play, by Josh Hornbeck, is one of three bullying and harassment prevention plays the group will perform at schools throughout the Pacific Northwest this academic year.

With the widespread use of cell phones and social networking sites among children and teenagers, New Girl is aimed at preventing cyber bullying by educating youth and showing them the tragic results that sending or posting an insulting or threatening message can have. Cyber bulling poses a real threat to people’s welfare, as seen in the case of 13-year-old Megan Meier. The Missouri girl committed suicide in 2006, allegedly after being sent a cruel message by someone masquerading as a teenage boy.

The results of various studies show that cyber bullying has affected a significant number of youth. The “Stop Bullying Now!” Web site of the Health Resources and Services Administration Web site lists results of several studies, which show that anywhere from 7 to 36 percent of youth have been impacted.

In New Girl, the impact of cyber bullying is explored through the lives of five high schoolers at Clements High -- especially the new girl, Rachel, and an outcast, Edward, who becomes one of her first friends at school. New Girl traces the progression of insults and threats made to Edward as the school year gets off to a start, and the resulting downturn in his life. Edward gets the biggest blow of all when two bullies take Rachel under their wings and coerce her into joining their game.

Taproot actors are also available for individual classroom visits. To book a show, call 206-529-3669 or touring@taproottheatre.org.

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