FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – Parent University hosted a forum against bullying at West Florence High School on Monday.
There were several people on the panel made up of students, teachers, and law enforcement.
“No one sends their child to school to be murdered,” said parent of two students, Twana Durant. “No one sends their children to school to murder anyone too.”
Durant said it’s extremely important for parents to listen to their children if they say they are being bullied.
“As a parent it’s important to find out about bullying,” Durant said. “We need to know the signs and if our child is being bullied or if our child is the one bullying someone.”
The forum happened the same day authorities reported that a 16-year-old North Carolina student shot and killed his classmate.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent, Clayton Wilcox, said there was a conflict between the two students.
“First reports indicate the conflict began with bullying that escalated out of control,” said Wilcox.
Florence School District One School-Based Therapist, Sam Fryer, said there are important signs that parents can look for if they think their child is being bullied.
“Change in their behavior, a change in their attitude, a reluctance to be in certain environments, a change in their appearance,” he said.
Fryer said Parent University will hold another forum on mental health in February.
