In an effort to teach children to be kind to one another, and to reject bullying behavior, the Mall at Stonecrest will launch “Malls & Retailers Unite Against Bullying” on Tuesday, Oct. 1 in association with National Bullying Prevention Month and sponsored by Captain McFinn and Friends.
The Mall at Stonecrest will invite the public to sign an “Anti-Bullying Pledge” daily at Chick-fil-A in the food court during mall operating hours and at select events during the month.
Malls & Retailers Unite against Bullying was born as an extension of an ongoing program for children, based on the lessons of Captain McFinn and Friends. The stories revolve around the underwater inhabitants of the fictional world of Sand Dusty Reef. Captain McFinn, their hero, is a black-tipped reef shark who used to be a bully. He has transformed into a hero, friend, and protector through the example of others. The stories teach powerful lessons about kindness, loyalty, honesty, empathy, and care for the world’s environment.
"The Mall at Stonecrest is participating in Bully Prevention Month to bring our community together and educate people about the how bullying affects all of us," the Mall wrote in a released statement. "We view the Mall at Stonecrest as a social hub, and would like to use our platform to benefit the community and end bullying. With hundreds of people coming through our doors each day, we believe we can make a difference in many lives by supporting this cause."
Studies show that bullying causes serious social and emotional problems for children, including depression, low self-esteem and anxiety. Without intervention, bullies also suffer. As adults, they commit more crimes, use more mental health services and have a higher risk of alcoholism. Recent high-profile bully cases resulting in suicide have prompted schools to adopt stronger anti-bullying policies. Still, many situations go unnoticed, falling between the cracks of the most well-meaning program.
• It is estiQmated that 160,000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students.
• 1-in-7 Students in Grades K-12 is either a bully or a victim of bullying.
• 56% of all students have personally witnessed some type of bullying at school.
• Bullying can take many forms but it usually includes the following types of behavior:
• Physical – hitting, pushing
• Verbal – slurs, put downs
• Indirect – spreading rumors and exclusion
• Cyber – harassment via texting or the internet
Media inquiries for more information, including high-resolution images should be directed to TJ Anzivino or Kasey Baker at (330) 747-2661 or kbaker@cafarocompany.com , or tanzivino@cafarocompany.com
The Mall at Stonecrest is located off I-20, exit 75 Turner Hill Road in Lithonia, Georgia. For more information, please visit www.mallatstonecrest.com or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/mallatstonecrest.
