Diaz said the explosion of social media has added another dimension that has aided in intensifying and amplifying bullying to a degree that’s never been seen before.
“The social media aspect is so much that I think parents are struggling. How do you deal with this? When we were growing up, it was different, right? But now people can say so much on social media. And that’s, I think, the toughest part that that could be just relentless for a child that’s going through that,” Diaz said.
“A Different Cry,” is broken down into three parts:
– TEGNA and Atticus examine why Black suicide rates are double the rate of their White peers and how bullying and racism greatly contribute to this disturbing trend;
– Part two explores the reasons why Black suicides are undercounted and how preventive mechanisms are failing Black youth;
– In part three, Atticus listens to Black youth about what they’re going through. Also, Atticus offers viable solutions to this growing problem.
Carter said the nine-month investigative piece was emotionally taxing but very rewarding because it aims to save young Black lives.
“It was such a difficult piece to do,” Carter told rolling out. “But they gave me such a sense of purpose. Because I have 7-year-old Black boys who I know are being bullied. And I’m scared. I’m scared for them. I’m scared for our babies in this country. And the fact that nobody knows this is happening, no one’s paying attention to it … I really needed to do this for the Black boys and girls that I know in my life.”
“A Different Cry” will premiere on TEGNA stations’ Fire TV and Roku apps and the Watch section of all stations’ websites beginning Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022.
For help, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255.
