May 18, 2013
A Local 8 Weather Alert has been issued for today. Because of the threat of rain, thunder and even hail, outdoor activities may be disrupted or inconvenienced. What's going on? An upper-level low will be moving across East Tennessee today, creating a more unstable atmosphere.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT)--With the increasing popularity of social networking sites, texting and YouTube, there's been a rise in school violence including bullying.
If you're being harassed at school, there are things you can do to protect yourself.
But it starts with your speaking out.
Recently WVLT showed video of a fight at Bearden High School between two teens.
School violence is a concern for many parents out there.
It's unclear if that fight was due to bullying, but often times bullying can be the root of school violence.
Becky Whitehead-Ervin/principal says, "I think bullying is a concern of parents of students and it's a concern for staff."
Some students like Darrisha Triplett at Vine Middle School witness bullying at school.
Darrisha trys to stop bullying when she sees it happening.
8th Grader Darrisha Triplett says, "I tell a teacher or I ask that student to back off you know."
If you are a student in middle or high school and you fall victim to bullying, you have rights.
Family Justice Center Executive Director Amy Dilworth says,"Harassment is part of the statute and that's what bullying would be."
The bullying could warrant an order of protection or a warrant, or in extreme cases any kind of shelter.
For an order of protection for students, schools would have to work with class scheduling.
Dilworth says,"Cause they may be in the same building, but they can't be around each other."
Studies show teens don't talk to their parents, but the main thing is to open up to someone about your problem.
Dilworth says,"The secret empowers the one who is hurting you and it keeps you from learning your resources."
If you or someone you know is being bullied, talk to the Family Justice Center about the law, so bullying and school violence like this can be stopped.
To get help with bullying or any kind of violence call 215-6800.
