On Monday, October 7, SWFL schools and schools across the nation will join together to bring awareness to kids and their communities about bullying. For the second year in a row, Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers will be among those recognizing Blue Shirt Day World Day of Bullying Prevention by wearing blue shirts in an effort to bring awareness to anti-bullying programs.
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers has met with community leaders to remind them about the importance of the issue and to encourage them to participate in Blue Shirt Day. School Board Chairwoman Mary Fischer led the charge in Lee County by bringing up the initiative up at a recent School Board meeting. With the support of Dr. Graham, she rallied the entire District to get behind the cause. Just under their Mission and Vision statement, information about National Bullying Prevention Month can be found on the Lee County Public Schools website.
“Collectively, we will make a difference so we hope to see a lot of blue shirts,“ said Laura Connell, Crime Stoppers Assistant. “Also, if you know someone who is being bullied, text CRIMES (274637) Keyword DNTH8 (don’t hate) and your information will be immediately forwarded to law enforcement and school resource officers for follow up. You do remain completely anonymous, so there’s no need to fear retaliation from other students.”
Information on bullying can also be made anonymously online atwww.swflcrimestoppers.org or by calling the 24/7 hotline at 1-800-780-TIPS(8477).