Teens stand up against bullying

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Both Mobile and Baldwin County students took a big step toward putting a stop to bullying in their schools. Dozens of teens attended a teen hall meeting in Mobile and a leadership summit in Fairhope.

Peer counselors from Baldwin County Schools attended the “Schools Where Everyone Belongs” seminar - a weekend long summit that touched on cyber bullying and the school system's harassment policies. Peer Counselor Kayla Williamson, attends Robertsdale High School, and said she is ready to help her peers get through tough situations.

"Most kids are kind of scared to talk about it and that's what scares me the most. I want them to open up to me. I know I can help them, but they may not know that,” said Williamson.

In Mobile, dozens of teens gathered and shared their experiences with bullying. Most said they have either witnessed bullying or have experienced it themselves.

Shalonda Bell-Fossett shared how she would go home and cry after a day of being bullied. She said she's overcome the hurt and wants to encourage her peers to do the same.

 "Say something because if they don't say it how is it going to be heard? No ones a mind reader they need to talk about it,” said Bell-Fossett.

Here are some tips to help protect your child from bullying.

• Talk with your child. Focus on your child. Express your concern and make it clear that you want to help.
• Empathize with your child. Say bullying is wrong, that it is not their fault, and that you are glad they had the courage to tell you about it.
• Work together to find solutions. Ask your child what they think can be done to help. Reassure them that the situation can be handled privately. 
• Document ongoing bullying. Work with your child to keep a record of all bullying incidents. If it involves cyber bullying, keep a record of all messages or postings.

Source: www.stopbullying.gov