A Wisconsin television anchorwoman fires back after a viewer wrote her an email criticizing her weight.
Her message has been viewed by millions, from making national TV appearances like CBS This Morning and The Talk to being invited on Twitter to make an appearance on the Ellen Show, saying "What a powerful message against bullying "News8Jennifer, I would love to meet you in person."
Jennifer Livingston says, "We need to teach our kids to be kind not critical and we need to do that by example."
Referring to the viewer who she says is a bully and sent her a cruel email about her weight.
Livingston urges viewers not to allow such people to define their self-worth. Her editorial has many taking on the issue of bullying.
Mankato School Psychologist, Jinny Nimmo says, "As adults we need to set examples for our kids. That was one of the aspects she was trying to express that we are showing kids how do you behave and how do you handle differences in people."
In Julie Larkin-Spies' classroom, it's her priority to make sure her students feel they are in a safe and welcoming environment but it's difficult to when it comes to cyber-bullying.
English Teacher Julie Larkin-Spies says, "As a teacher you feel helpless because there isn't a lot we can do about what students posts on the internet."
However, she makes sure her students are aware that what they post on the internet can have serious repercussions.
And this teacher echoes the concern the criticized anchor has put in the spotlight.
Larkin-Spies says, "For adults to say that about other adults molds that behavior for kids. They are not born thinking hateful things, they learn that from what they see around them."
And now thanks to a viral video the discussion about bullying of all kinds is front and center.
October marks national Bullying Awareness month and it's hoped that message at least resonates with everyone.
