Pictured Below: Hardin County Sheriff Jerry Fricker and Hardin County Resident Circuit Judge Tara Cook.
October has been recognized as National Bullying Prevention Month to support and bring awareness to anti-bullying. In an effort to inform students and initiate important conversations about bullying among teens and the consequences of that behavior, Hardin County Circuit Judge Tara Cook and Hardin County Sheriff Jerry Fricker visited Hardin County K-12 School to address junior high and high school students.
Judge Cook shared her thoughts on the visit with Sheriff Fricker stating, “We talked honestly about bullying and cyber bullying, social media and digital footprints, threats, physical altercations, and what can happen when a bad decision goes beyond school discipline and becomes a matter for law enforcement or the courts. But more than anything, we wanted the students to understand that their choices have power.”
Students were informed on relevant laws related to bullying behavior, including harassment and cyber stalking, battery, and threatening conduct. Students were also encouraged to be the person who doesn’t simply standby, but stands up for what is right and seeks adult intervention. More information about bullying prevention can be found online at Safe 2 Help Illinois at safe2helpil.com, stopbullying.gov or by contacting the Illinois Board of Education.
