Letter: Prevent bullying

Tragically, we have had children, sons and daughters of families in our own community, take their own life after situations where they have been bullied.

This can’t happen anymore. We need to do better.

We can do better.

So what can we as a community, parents, teachers, do? Start talking.

Talk to children about it being okay to admit when things are out of our control and we need someone to step in.

Tell children that it is okay to get an adult involved and to teach them they’re not a tattle tale when someone else’s life is at risk.

Bullying won’t stop until the bully is held accountable and other students stop looking the other way when it happens.

The Support, Advocacy & Resource Center offers prevention programs that educate students on harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying, aimed at decreasing these behaviors in schools and online.

We hope a child who feels alone might finally reach out for help. We hope at least one student will finally help a classmate who thought no one cared anymore.

If you would like more information about our bullying presentations, contact SARC at 509-374-5391.

This story was originally published November 6, 2017 at 4:02 PM with the headline "Letter: Prevent bullying."