Community Invited to March Against Bullying

Bullying related suicide has become the third leading cause of death among kids, according to the National Association of People Against Bullying. To help raise awareness, the group is hosting a march this week in Laguna Beach.

Hosted by the NAPAB and San Clemente High School's Cool to be Kind Club, the second annual People's March Against Bullying will take place on Friday, Oct. 25 at 5 p.m. Anna Mendez, executive director of NAPAB, said last year's march was a proactive way for both kids and adults to come together and raise awareness about how bullying is claiming the lives of so many young people.

"Bullying is a problem in all areas of our country. Bullied children are three times more likely to harm themselves or commit suicide," Mendez, who lost her teenage son to bully-related suicide in 2009, explained. "If you have children, or if you love children, please come out and support the event."

The event will be about an hour long, and will include presentations from students and anti-bullying activists. Participants are asked to meet at Main Beach's grassy area, at the intersection of PCH and Laguna Canyon Road.

The Cool 2 Be Kind Club started in San Clemente in 2009, after the death of Daniel Mendez to bullying-related suicide. Since that time club chapters have been established at schools across the county.

Event organizers said Laguna Beach was chosen to host the People's March because "the city has been very welcoming and accommodating."

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