Orlando kicks off new anti-bullying initiative

Mayor Buddy Dyer discusses raising awareness of issue

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on Thursday launched a new anti-bullying initiative called "Stand Up Orlando."

The new initiative will partner with local organizations to provide a year-round education to students to increase bullying awareness throughout the community.

"Stand Up Orlando" will coordinate a five-session anti-bullying curriculum in all sixth and seventh grade classrooms across the city.

Additionally, an outreach coordinator will be appointed to train adults on how to handle and prevent bullying.

"Orlando is becoming more diverse every day," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.  "We have to teach our young people the importance of celebrating diversity and respecting others who we see as different."

Nationwide, more than one in four students report being bullied throughout the school year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bullying can lead to depression, anxiety and behavioral issues.

However, bullying isn't only taking place in school.  A new Pew Research survey says 40 percent of adults have been harassed online, while 73 percent say they have witnessed online bullying.


About the Author:

Mark Lehman became a News 6 reporter in July 2014, but he's been a Central Florida journalist and part of the News 6 team for much longer. While most people are fast asleep in their bed, Mark starts his day overnight by searching for news on the streets of Central Florida.

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