Local students to push bullying bill at Capitol – San Diego Union

Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 7:07 p.m.

Four students from a National City elementary school are taking their campaign to address bullying directly to the state Capitol.

The El Toyon students are planning to be on the Assembly floor Friday when lawmakers take up a resolution declaring March to be anti-bullying month.

The measure is being carried by Assemblyman Ben Hueso, D-San Diego. He is also the author of separate legislation that will encourage schools to adopt anti-bullying programs and provide training on how to address problems.

The students participate in the campus PeaceBuilders program that promotes proactive steps to stop bullying and create a positive learning environment. “This resolution will not only help educate people on the dangers of bullying, but lay the groundwork to provide training to teachers and administrators on how to prevent bullying,” said Michelle Molina, president of PeaceBuilders.

El Toyon Principal Manuel Abel Machado called bullying a “real and growing concern” that must be addressed through programs such as PeaceBuilders and Hueso’s legislation.

Those students expected to attend in the floor debate on Assembly Concurrent Resolution 22 are: Alyssa Doon, Carlos Alvarez, Samady Diaz and Andrew Carrillo.

The legislation, Assembly Bill 630, has not been set for hearing.

The students are planning to meet with Tom Torlakson, state superintendent of public instruction, hoping to enlist his support for Hueso’s legislation.

According to the resolution, eight percent of K-12 students miss at least one day a month out of fear of being bullied and those who are victimized suffer higher than usual rates of depression and low self-esteem well into adulthood.