October declared MA bullying prevention month

WWLP TV

Updated: Oct 18, 2012 8:18 PM

BOSTON (WWLP) — Governor Deval Patrick has proclaimed the month of October to be “Bullying Prevention Month” in Massachusetts.

Before Patrick declared the proclamation, members of his Youth Council greeted him with a rousing chant as a sign of their support. About 100 students from across the state gathered at the State House for a daylong schedule of activities that included a viewing of the documentary “Bully,” and a talk on their own personal experiences with bullying. For James Villalobos of Springfield, the day was a chance to share advice with fellow students.

“If you’re being bullied, the effects of that are going to follow you for the rest of your life and that’s why at the very least we can help them emotionally and mentally get through that,” Villalobos said. “And this biggest thing I can reiterate is finding a trustworthy adult, go to them for anything and everything, especially for something as serious as bullying.”

The Governor’s Youth Council also celebrated the launch of a public service announcement campaign against bullying.

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