One in four teens have experiences bullying in middle or high school, and over 160,000 students do not want to go to school because of their fear of bullies.
October is bullying awareness month, and the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is raising awareness throughout the community by proclaiming "Bully Proof Day" on October 19.
The Children's Coalition charges the community to wear orange to show support for victims of bullying. Local schools are showing their support by hosting a balloon release with encouraging messages tied to them.
One balloon release is planned at Child's Care Play II, at 209 N. 18th Street in Monroe.
"As educators and family members, we have to recognize that a child afraid to go to school happens as a result of bullying, and then learn how to intervene," Tammy Washington, early life skills coordinator at the Children's Coalition.
More information on the Children's Coalition and Bully Proof Day is online.
