Leonardo
DaVinci High School is joining others in the community to focus on bullying during Anti-Bullying Month, which runs through October.
Paul
O’Grady, a DaVinci guidance counselor, said while the school hasn't had a big
problem with bullying, the rise of social media has prompted school leaders to
focus on cyber bullying, or the abuse that happens over the internet.
“Parents
need to monitor Facebook more,” he said. “Ninety percent of the cases we see
are caused by Facebook. When kids get together and talk it out, the problem
disappears but it’s scary to see the speed things escalate on the internet.”
Also
this month, the Buffalo Public Library system has rolled out its “Bullying
Stops Here” campaign to raise awareness on the issue as well.
Assistant
Deputy Director of Development and Communications Joy Testa Cinquino said each
of the 37 public libraries has hung a banner people can sign, pledging their
support in the fight against bullying.
“We
want the community to feel the libraries are a safe haven,” she said.
On
October 19, the Central library located in Lafayette Square will host speaker
Suzanne McKenney for a free, public event called “Creating a Culture of
Character.” McKenney will discuss what makes bullying so prevalent in today's
society and what communities can do to prevent it. By Brian Alexander and
Jennifer Waters
