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Weirton speaks out on bullying

October recognized as National Bullying Prevention Month

WEIRTON — Reports of bullying can be found across the nation, and officials with the City of Weirton are working to be proactive in tackling the issue, especially when it comes to local youth.

October is observed as National Bullying Prevention Month.

“It’s an issue that plagues our kids and community,” Interim City Manager DeeAnn Pulliam said.

The Weirton Police Department plays a constant role in speaking out against bullying, in particular with kids in the city’s schools.

“We stay proactive,” Police Chief Rob Alexander said.

The Weirton Police Department has two of its officers serving as prevention resource officers — one at Weir High and one at Weir Middle. Weirton Elementary has PROs through the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.

Alexander noted his department recently was contacted about having an officer visit the Weirton Christian Center to speak with students there.

Among their responsibilities, the PROs talk with students about bullying and their effects, and are able to recognize the signs of bullying.

“They’re trained for that,” he said.

Pulliam said the city is encouraging the community, and parents in particular, to educate themselves on the signs of bullying, as well as cyberbullying, and to also be careful of their own actions in the event they may encourage bullying.

“Children often mimic what they see,” Pulliam said.

According to the website stopbullying.gov, operated by the U.S. government, signs a child is being bullied include unexplained injuries, lost or destroyed items, feeling sick or faking illnesses, changes in eating habits, difficulty sleeping, loss of interest in school, sudden loss of friends or avoiding social situations, decreased self esteem and self-destructive behaviors.

Signs an individual may be bullying others include getting into physical or verbal fights, having friends who bully others, becoming increasingly aggressive, getting into trouble at school, having unexplained money or new belongings, blaming others for their problems and not accepting responsibility for their actions.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)

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