POLICE SERVICES HOSTS ANTI-BULLYING PROGRAM FOR PARENTS MAY 25

MISSION VIEJO, Calif., May 20 -- The city of Mission Viejo issued the following news release:

Parents are invited to attend "Bullying: The Not So Silent Danger" program hosted by Mission Viejo Police Services on Wednesday, May 25.

The 7 p.m. program is at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way. This program is designed to educate parents about bullying, a problem that affects large populations everywhere. It generally begins in elementary school and continues through high school and beyond.

Nearly 80% of children surveyed report being bullied, bullying others or witnessing bullying.

"We need to recognize bullying as disruptive harmful behavior," said Crime Prevention Specialist Tammy Descoteaux. "It can no longer be considered 'child's play' or "just being teenagers". Bullying is sometimes perceived as normal. This perception is dangerous because it allows us to overlook situations that are not healthy for all parties involved. Bullying shouldn't be acceptable behavior on any level." School Resource Officer Deputy Carla Kerr sees bullying as "intensified" in middle and high school grades.

"Various media and peer influence allows such behavior without youth realizing their full impact on others," she said. "This is especially true since so much of their communication is not face to face. Cyber-bullying is taking maltreatment to a whole new level."

The program is geared towards parents of elementary and middle school age children. The discussion will include recognizing bullying, what to do if your child is being bullied or bullying others. Deputy Kerr will also discuss what parents should know about the dangers of bullying via the Internet and cell phones.

"We want to take a proactive approach to this issue since it can create the potential for unsafe environments," said Lt. Mike Gavin, Chief of Police Services. "Recognizing bullying or its symptoms is crucial to stopping it."

For more information or to RSVP, call Police Services at 949-470-8433. For any query with respect to this article or any other content requirement, please contact Editor at htsyndication@hindustantimes.com