BOCA RATON – With renewed urgency following the recent suicide death of a Broward County teen, allegedly after being bullied, the School District of Palm Beach County and new local Action Alliance for Mental Health will gather Friday to find answers to the growing issue.
They invite parents, educators, counselors, nonprofits and community leaders to a Community Action Workshop Friday, May 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Safe Schools Institute, 1790 NW Spanish River Blvd. in Boca Raton.
The purpose of the workshop is to promote education, understanding and early identification of mental health needs among youth and families and seek input from the community.
Statistics show that one in four high school students in Florida report being victims of bullying on school grounds; that number is higher for middle-schoolers. “Red flags are frequently seen in middle school,” said Rita Thrasher, president/CEO of Boca Raton’s Promise, a local nonprofit that launched the initiative.
Friday’s event, on the grounds of Don Estridge High Tech Middle School, is free and open to the public.
RSVP is requested at btspalmbeach1@gmail.com