First Posted: 1/29/2015
LIMA — It’s prison or death.
Those are teens’ options if they continue to make bad decisions, specialist Phil Chalmers said to an auditorium containing 900 Lima Senior High School students.
Some were hooked, but others weren’t as easily swayed.
“It’s time to get real,” he said. “I get respect from killers and mass murders. … I would expect to get respect from Lima’s students.”
The “Inside the Mind of a Teen Killer” author has interviewed more than 200 murderers, some of whom were teens who made headlines after a violent rampage. He wanted to find a reason behind the destruction. It didn’t take long to discover it all came back to one thing — bullying.
The National Education Association reported bullying is linked to 75 percent of in-school shootings, and 87 percent of students said shooters are motivated by the desire to “get back at those who have hurt them.”
Hoping to avoid a similar situation in wake of a cyberbullying incident last week, Lima’s Superintendent Jill Ackerman said it was perfect timing for Chalmers’ presentation.
“I didn’t want some fluffy presentation,” she said. “Chalmers clearly understands what kids are doing and is able to provide insight in the ramifications.”
Bullying has been an ongoing issue for the district. According to annual bullying reports from 2009, 2011 and 2012, there have been 736 cases. The number of bullying incidents increase over time; 311 cases were recorded in 2012 and 176 in 2011, most in grades six to 12.
Still, Lima isn’t the only district with bullying issues in Ohio. According to Ohio Department of Education reports, the amount of harassment, violence and threats have increased statewide.
Chalmers said the increase is because of desensitization thanks to the entertainment industry, constantly romanticizing violence and drug abuse.
“This is a lie,” he said. “Reach out to Eminem, Katy Perry and myself and see who responds.”
Having grown up in a rough Cleveland neighborhood with an alcoholic father, Chalmers takes it upon himself to reveal the truth about abuse, drugs, sex and violence using his background and humor.
But as he explained the possibility of jail time because of a simple sext, a voice rang out from the crowd.
“Well, I’m going to jail,” a boy said, as laughter followed. Chalmers didn’t miss a beat.
“It’s funny now,” he said. “But when you’re in your jail cell you’ll ask yourself, ‘Was it worth it?’”
As the presentation ended, most students headed to third period seeming hopeful, impressed. Others weren’t sure it made an impact.
“People just don’t care,” said freshman Tatyanna Lewis.
Moments later, a petite blond holding back tears approached Chalmers’ wife, Wendi.
“I wouldn’t do this if it didn’t make a difference,” he said. “Are we going to make an impact on every kid? No. But I wouldn’t be here if it didn’t help.”
