How local schools are stepping up to bullying

Orlando, FL — School leaders and students are realizing that it's a group effort to combat this epidemic. One local high school has taken this to a whole new level.

Lake Brantley High School's Leadership class has created a growing anti-bullying campaign called, To Be Kind. It is aimed at reducing bullying by proactively encouraging others to be kind. They're currently promoting their campaign in elementary schools, high schools, and colleges.

Lake Brantley says to Take the Pledge for Bullying: “I pledge not to be a part of the bullying problem, but a part of the solution. I will not be bullied into silence, but instead will stand up by having the courage to speak out and ask for help. I’ll go out of my way to comfort those who are struggling. I will be the one to lead this movement by showing respect to all. I will not simply take this pledge and walk away without a purpose because I promise to make a conscious effort to do these things every day. I pledge to make THIS the movement that ends bullying. And it will start with me. It will start with me simply being kind.”

Check out the To Be Kind In the Community Video:

Check out the To Be Kind To Be Kind Video:

For more information on this campaign and how you can make a difference, visit http://leadership.lakebrantley.com/tbk. Also, join To Be Kind on Facebook.

The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida in Maitland, Fl has created an anti-bullying initiative called UPSTANDER: Stand Up To Bullying Initiative. They provide activities for students in schools and at the centers to empower them to stand up against bullying.

Watch the UPSTANDER: Stand up to Bullying Video

CRIMELINE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA LAUNCHES SPEAKOUT HOTLINE

Whether you're a parent, student or teacher, you can end the silence today by speaking out about any bullying activity. SpeakOut Hotline is a Central Florida 24-hour anonymous reporting tool that accepts all calls, and grants anonymity to all callers. If you hear or witness planned fights, sexual assaults or harrassments contact 800.423. TIPS. For more information, visit them online at http://www.speakouthotline.org/HighSchoolWeb/questions.html

CHANGE STARTS WITH ME!

Another Central Florida initiative which impacts bullying is called Change Starts With Me! The focus is to help Central Florida become known as " A Community with Honorable Character!" and you can get involved. The mission is to be a community where demonstrating and reinforcing honorable character matters and is modeled by individuals, families, neighborhoods and organizations. Click here To TAKE THE PLEDGE.

Other local resources you should check out:

Seminole County Community and School leaders recently addressed this issue. Learn more by visiting http://cmfmedia.org/2011/05/bullying

Osceola County Schools supports anti-bullying and you can learn more about their efforts online here!

Flagler County Schools has launched their own effort in educating students, teachers and parents about bullying. See their website here.

Orange County Public Schools has information for parents and students. Click here to learn more! 

NEW INITIATIVE COMING TO CENTRAL FLORIDA--DOES YOUR SCHOOL HAVE A PLAN IF YOU WITNESS BULLYING? NOW YOU DO!

"Stop.Walk.Talk" is a bully reporting system and is part of a comprehensive plan that gives a voice to those who have been victims of bullying, who have witnessed bullying and even those who have bullied.  Don't be silent; report what has happened or is happening. "Stop.Walk.Talk." To enroll your school, click here!

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