AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Amarillo educators are going back to class this week to focus on internet safety and bullying. District officials say nationally, bullying has become worse in the last few years.
But they say, at the local level, it's not as big a problem. That's because they started anti-bullying campaigns years ago. Often times, teachers are the first line of defense for students.
"A lot of times the parents, it's not that they are ignoring the problem, it's that the parents don't know the problem is taking place. And the teachers do need to intervene and help these children understand what's right and wrong. What they should be reading and not reading, what they should be putting on the web and what's not," said AISD teacher, Steve Nelson.
Bullying in the classroom and on the internet have to be monitored by educators at all times to keep students safe.
"Your school counselor is your friend, your advocate. Go to you counselor, your teacher, and if someone addresses a bully issue with you, then be sure to let someone know. We're not able to help or handle it if we don't know about the situation," said AISD Counselor, Jan Beard.
In AISD, bullying can result in suspension and possible police involvement.
