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Bullying Prevention Website Encourages Students To Support Each Other

By Michelle Durham

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - As a nation it's top of mind, yet the number of children being bullied continues to rise: the National Bullying Prevention Center reports that nearly eight in every 10 teenagers have been verbally or physically bullied. Cyber bullying continues to escalate too, but now teens have a new resource they can tap into literally.

Were you ever bullied in school? If you were, you undoubtedly felt singled out, alone. Julius Licata, Director of TeenCentral.Net and ParentCentral.Net for KidsPeace explains what is unique about their web site.

"They can write in about what is bothering them, totally anonymous. And then within 24-hours, they'll receive an answer within 24 hours they'll receive an answer from our counselors and all our counselors work has first been checked by a Masters or Doctorate level clinician."

Licata says it's touching to see their peers reach out to the one is hurt and give them a cyber hug to bring their spirits back up.

"We have a section where teens can respond. And believe it or not we hear about all the bullies, but I would say 99% of the kids responding on our site are totally supportive, saying, 'I'm here for you.' 'You do have people who care about you.' They are building each other up and not just the adults."

Licata says the only way to end bullying is to hold those responsible accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

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