Join important discussion about bullying in Huntley

Attention parents, school administration and staff: are you concerned about bullying? Though once considered a normal part of growing up, reports in the news have shown that bullying can have serious consequences.

In the 2012 Illinois Youth Survey, 50 percent of McHenry County eighth-graders surveyed said another student at school bullied them by calling them names in the past 12 months. Twenty-four percent of McHenry County 10th-graders said they were cyberbullied through the Internet or through text messages.

Join a discussion that will highlight what you need to know about bullying and how you can help.

Pioneer Center for Human Services' Cjay Harmer, a prevention specialist, will lead a free lecture for the public, "Bullies and Victims - Help for Both," from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10. The program will be held at Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center, Huntley, 10450 W. Algonquin Road.

Harmer will discuss examples of bullying, knowing when it's conflict, why some kids get targeted and how to help both the victim and bully. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Call (877) CENTEGRA (236-8347) to register for the free event. Space is limited and registration is required.

For more information on how Pioneer Center for Human Services works to end bullying throughout McHenry County schools, visit www.pioneercenter.org.