#Bullybox is Louisiana’s Answer to Bullying in Schools
Being the dad of a school age kid isn't easy. I hear the most disheartening, daily stories of social labyrinths the likes of which I could have never navigated. Being liked is difficult enough, but avoiding a bully is basically impossible. I like to think that I have armed my 5th grader with enough wisdom to avoid or at least diffuse these situations, but the truth is this: Every kid has to deal with some bullying, and some have to deal with too much.
According to US News and World Report, one Louisiana resident may have found a way to combat this social epidemic, and given a voice to those who are bullied in the process.
Back in October, 44 year-old Shauna Sias of Opelousas saw that a 13-year-old boy in Baton Rouge had committed suicide after being bullied. This tragic moment inspired Shauna to create the "Bullybox." The idea was to place this innocuous box in a school's low traffic area so that anyone could report bullying. Whether the reporter was the target of bullying, or simply a witness - these leads could then be followed up on by school staff and handled appropriately. The thought is this: If the reports and tips were anonymous, there would likely be way more.
Now, this project has spread out to 16 middle and high schools across St. Landry Parish. I, for one, would love to see this project spread to every Louisiana school - especially those in the Shreveport/Bossier City area.