Honoring Nate Bronstein: A $15 Million Commit to Combat Cyberbullying

The Bronstein Family Foundation's Commitment to Youth Safety

The Bronstein Family Foundation, established in Chicago, has made a profound announcement that underscores its commitment to combating the growing issue of cyberbullying among the youth. In memory of 15-year-old Nate Bronstein, who tragically lost his life due to the impacts of relentless online harassment, the foundation has pledged a remarkable $15 million to bolster initiatives aimed at protecting children and teenagers from cyberbullying and its dire consequences.

A Legacy of Advocacy

Founded by Rose and Rob Bronstein, the foundation came into being after the heartbreaking incident surrounding their son Nate, who succumbed to suicide in January 2022. Despite bringing attention to his suffering through numerous reports to his school, inadequate action was taken to safeguard him. This realization sparked the couple's drive to advocate for change and ensure that no other child would suffer in silence.

The $15 million commitment is not merely a financial donation; it is a comprehensive strategy aimed at expanding public awareness, legal accountability, and educational resources regarding cyberbullying. This effort is especially crucial as schools face increasing scrutiny over their ability to protect students from such harassment.

Initiatives on the Horizon

The money will fund various initiatives, building upon the foundation's existing efforts since its inception in 2022. This includes fostering legal reform to improve protections for minors and creating the Tech-Safe Learning Coalition (TLC). The TLC comprises 20 partner organizations dedicated to keeping young individuals safe from the digital threats posed by school-issued devices.

Furthermore, in a significant move to support allied nonprofits, the Bronstein Family Foundation will also offer grants ranging from $100,000 to $250,000, targeting smaller organizations focused on protecting children. This funding, aimed at those with annual budgets below $5 million, will provide crucial support to those dedicated to similar goals.

Spotlight on the 'Buckets Over Bullying' Program

One of the foundation's flagship programs, 'Buckets Over Bullying', highlights the proactive measures taken to educate and engage students, parents, and schools regarding accountability in the fight against bullying. Collaborating with NBA influencer Tristan Jass, this initiative employs sports as a medium to spread awareness, presenting educational programs in various cities across the nation, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Detroit. Over 50,000 young people have engaged with this program, with millions more reached through online initiatives.

The emphasis on legal support for families affected by bullying, combined with public policy advocacy, strengthens the foundation's mission. Recent legislative support efforts also include backing amendments to Illinois' bullying laws and federal initiatives like Sammy's Law, aimed at further increasing student protection.

A Model for Change

The Bronstein Family Foundation's endeavor illustrates a significant uplift in the approach taken towards combating cyberbullying in educational settings. By fostering collaborations with renowned institutions and organizations such as the National Basketball Association and Chicago Public Schools Athletics, they show that unity is essential in creating a safer environment for youth. Their action-based initiatives are paving the way toward more robust student protection policies.

Marc Berkman, CEO of the Organization for Social Media Safety, remarked on the impact of the Bronstein Family's efforts: “Rose and Rob Bronstein have bravely transformed personal tragedy into decisive, sustained leadership to protect so many children, and this new philanthropic commitment will save even more lives.”

Through their relentless dedication to this cause, Rose and Rob Bronstein not only keep Nate's memory alive but also work tirelessly to ensure a safer online environment for the youth of today and tomorrow.

In conclusion, while the battle against cyberbullying is ongoing, the substantial investment and advocacy from The Bronstein Family Foundation may serve as an important catalyst for change, inspiring other organizations and communities to take similar action.

For those who wish to learn more or seek funding, information can be accessed through the initiative's official website: www.bucketsoverbullying.org.