Activist fights bullying at Braden River Middle

A Florida educator who lost her son to suicide because of bullying shared her son's story with students at Braden River Middle School today.

Nationally known presenter Debbie Johnston, who has made appearances on shows such as "The Today Show," "Dr. Phil" and "Good Morning America," encouraged students to become an "upstander," rather than a bystander to bullying behaviors at school and online, during a special program in the school's gymnasium.

"Being bullied is not part of childhood," Johnston said, adding that individuals learn bullying-type behaviors from friends, television and other sources, but must choose not to use them.

Johnston formed the non-profit group Students for Safer Schools, and led children to testify before lawmakers to get passed in 2008 The Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for ALL Students Act, which requires schools in Florida to adopt policies to discourage bullying online or in person, or risk losing state funding.

Braden River Middle also is hosting a special session with Johnston for parents from 12:30-1:30 p.m. School administrators and staff also are slated to have a session with Johnston later today.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].