HARRISONBURG, Va – October is the Virginia School Boards Association’s Bullying Prevention Month.

Harrisonburg City Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Richards explained during last week’s school board meeting that childhood bullying is a nationwide problem that can lead to absenteeism as well as mental stress, poor school performance and poor self- esteem.

Richards praised what he called a system-wide nurturing effort that is in place in the school division that teaches people to be kind and respectful as well as accepting differences.