Saturday, October 13, 2012

DaVinci joins effort to stop bullying


            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