Safe Havens For Pueblo Bullying Victims

Every day thousands of kids are bullied across the country. Pueblo schools are working to show victims of bullying that the community is behind them and they have safe places to go.

On Tuesday, Pueblo County District 70 schools approved a new anti-bullying program that will allow the district to team up with local businesses that have agreed to be safe havens for victims of bullying.

Pueblo’s District 60 started the initiative that will put anti-bullying posters in businesses around Pueblo. The signs will designate the ‘safe havens,’ places where students can go if they’re being bullied to wait for their parents or law enforcement.

“You can never say when a bullying issue is going to occur, so if they can go to a business or community building where they can feel safe, then, as a parent I feel like it’s definitely well needed,” said Lynette Pantello, D-70 school board president and parent.

After Tuesday’s vote, Pueblo schools will start working to partner with businesses and give training to owners and employees. The district will also start educating parents and students.

“The concept around this is really looping an entire community around addressing the issue,” said Greg Keasling, D-70 Director of Student Services.

The districts are hoping to have the posters up in businesses some time in February.