AUGUSTA, GA (WFXG) -
A local judge continues to
make strides in bully prevention. Judge Doug Flanagan of Columbia County Youth
Detention Center spoke at a bullying seminar Monday at Euchee Creek Library.
Officials from the Columbia County
Detention Center began the anti-bullying efforts four years ago by going out
into the community targeting parents and children
"I tell all
parents, pay attention to your children, listen to your children. You're the
first line of defense keeping your child from using drugs, or getting in trouble,
or becoming a victim of bullying," said Judge Flanagan.
Thinking before acting is just one of
the many messages representatives from the center wanted to send to parents
and children to prevent bullying.
Judge Flanagan even explained the
importance of ‘The Golden Rule,' treat others the way you want to be treated. However,
preventative measures do not protect everyone.
"When your child is depressed or having
trouble going to school, as a parent you need to know why and if it's because
of something at school, you need to take the steps to protect your child,"
said Judge Flanagan.
Advice one parent is taking advantage
of.
"I don't feel like my child is safe
at school, I don't know what else to do but I want to protect my child,"
said Nikkia Rogers.
Rogers came to the bullying seminar to
find some answers after her daughter showed signs that she may be a victim of
bullying.
"She had bleeding from her head;
she had a scratch on her head and had scratches on the side of her face,"
said Rogers.
"We do hear a lot that some of the
parents that some of the schools are not as responsive as they should be," said
Judge Flanagan. "I explained to those parents that sometimes a phone call is
not what's needed, it's to actually go to the school, make an appointment, see
the school officials and find out what's going on with your child," said
Judge Flanagan.
Judge Flanagan told FOX54, cyber
bullying is the most common among juveniles. He recommends parents to take away
cell phones at night. However, one of the biggest ways to prevent bullying is
for parents to spend quality time with their children.
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