On Sunday, October 9, the Mayor’s Initiative to End Bullying in Newport News is holding its fourth annual Parents Against Bullying 1000 Youth March at Todd Stadium from 2:00 – 5:00 PM. This event is free and open to the public. The Mayor’s Initiative encourages anyone who has been bullied or a family member or friend who has felt the effects of bullying to attend. There is something for everyone to learn. WTKR Emmy award winning anchor/reporter Jessica Larche and her husband Sean Washington are guest speakers. Entertainment includes marching bands, hip hop artists, mimes, authors and other artists. Food trucks have everything from fish and loaded fries to funnel cakes and more for sale. Community resources for families will be available on site and even free flu shots are provided if you need one!

According to the National Bullying Prevention Center:

• One out of every four students (22%) report being bullied during the school year.
• Students who engage in bullying behavior are at increased risk for academic problems, substance use, and violent behavior later in adolescence and adulthood.
• 19.6% of high school students in the US report being bullied at school in the past year.
• 14.8% reported being bullied online.
• 90% of teens who report being cyberbullied have also been bullied offline.
• Bullied youth were most likely to report that actions that accessed support from others made a positive difference.

Come out, show your support and take a stand against bullying in Newport News and around the world. Visit the Mayor’s Initiative to End Bullying’s Facebook page for more information.