Video surfaces out of Bethel Twp brings bullying to light

BETHEL TWP., Ohio (WDTN) - A mother has made a plea to stop bullying after her son and his friend were videotaped fighting.  The fight happened at Bethel Junior High School on Friday.  The video shows two boys, who are friends, fighting, and according to one of their mothers, forced to do so by bullies.

"I was hurt," said Heather Nabil when asked her reaction to the video.  "I was hurt for my kid that he felt like he had to do that in order for him to keep the peace at school."

Heather said bullies told her 14-year-old son there would be consequences if he and his friend did not fight.  She continued that the bullies saved the video they recorded and text messaged it to people.  At one point she claims the video was uploaded to YouTube.  It has since been removed. 

Heather said the bullying has been an on-going problem, and fears it is due to her lifestyle.

"I am gay and I have been living with my partner for four years," said Heather.  "My children have always supported my lifestyle and they consider my partner another mom, so when you use a gay slur that is the worst thing someone could possibly say. My son feels like he has to stick up for our family on a daily basis."

Heather said she filed a report with the Miami County Sheriff's office.  A deputy with the department confirmed this.  Its unclear what exact charges are being sought.

Bethel Local Schools Superintendent Dr. Larry Smith could not speak in depth about the incident because of confidentiality laws; however, he confirmed all students, including Heather's son, involved have been disciplined.

"We are obviously in a reactive mode where we have to react to incidents but we're also trying to be very proactive in eliminating bullying," said Dr. Smith.

Dr. Smith said the district holds early intervention projects at the beginning of the year in an attempt to educate and eliminate bullying from the district's schools.  He said teachers are also educated on the issue, as well as students through seminars.  The Superintendent also pointed out anti-bullying signs posted throughout hallways and classrooms of the schools.

He admits cyber bullying has been difficult to keep up with, and encourages parents to take part in their efforts to eliminate the issue.

"Talk to your children," said Dr. Smith.  "Make sure you are aware of what is happening." 

"What is it going to take?" questioned Heather Nabil  "Children are taking their own lives all around the country because of bullying.  It needs to stop."

Dr. Smith advises people to contact the district's anti-bullying hotline if they or someone they know is being victimized.  Call 1-866-LISTEN2ME.