The HCC is working with Fox Chapel Middle School and West Hernando Middle School to implement the Be ABOVE Bullying program. Bullying can affect everyone—those who are bullied, those who bully, and those who witness bullying. Bullying is linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental health, substance use, and suicide, (SAMHSA). Working with middle school students to understand bullying and the effects it can have long term is an important public health matter. Kids who bully are more likely to have substance abuse problems and get in trouble with police. Working with students to decrease bullying behaviors and acts of violence against one another will increase the likelihood of healthy living for youth in Hernando County. Bullying can be prevented, especially when the community works together.
They primary goal of the program is to reduce and prevent bullying among Hernando County students through teaching them that there are better ways to gain attention and feel good about themselves than harming others. Bullying is a major concern in Hernando County as 44.8%- almost half- of Hernando County middle school students reported that bullying caused them to worry in 2014. Additionally, 38.7% reported being taunted or tease in the past 30-days, as well 20.1% reporting being kicked or shoved. All of these rates are above statewide averages, (2014, Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey).