Story submitted by Andrea Sherman, Governor’s Square Mall

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – In an effort to teach kids to be kind to one another, and to reject bullying behavior, Governor’s Square Mall will launch “Malls & Retailers Unite Against Bullying” on Tuesday, October 1 in association with National Bullying Prevention Month and sponsored by Captain McFinn and Friends. Governor’s Square Mall invites the public to sign an “Anti-Bullying Pledge” throughout the month of October at the Main Entrance signature wall.

Governor’s Square Mall will host two events to kick off Bullying Prevention Month:

On Tuesday, October 1 at 10:30 a.m. in the Food Court, Captain McFinn will join the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library for a special Bully-Free Storytime. This is a free event that includes stories, music and coloring activities. All guests in attendance will be invited to get their picture with Captain McFinn and sign the Bully-Free pledge.

On Saturday, October 5 guests are invited to join in a March Against Bullying! The March will leave from the Food Court at 10:30 a.m. and will be led by Captain McFinn and Coral Rose. It will include one lap of the mall and a stop at the “Bully-Free Pledge” signature wall. Signs from the March will be displayed on the Community Board throughout the month of October. Balloons and stickers will be distributed to participants.

Malls & Retailers Unite against Bullying was born as an extension of an ongoing program for children, based on the lessons of Captain McFinn and Friends. The stories revolve around the underwater inhabitants of the fictional world of Sand Dusty Reef. Captain McFinn, their hero, is a black-tipped reef shark who used to be a bully. He has transformed into a hero, friend, and protector through the example of others. The stories teach powerful lessons about kindness, loyalty, honesty, empathy, and care for the world’s environment.

Governor’s Square Mall is participating in Bully Prevention Month to bring our community together and educate people about the how bullying affects all of us. We view Governor’s Square Mall as a social hub, and would like to use our platform to benefit the community and end bullying. With hundreds of people coming through our doors each day, we believe we can make a difference in many lives by supporting this cause.

Studies show that bullying causes serious social and emotional problems for children, including depression, low self-esteem and anxiety. Without intervention, bullies also suffer. As adults, they commit more crimes, use more mental health services and have a higher risk of alcoholism. Recent high-profile bully cases resulting in suicide have prompted schools to adopt stronger anti-bullying policies. Still, many situations go unnoticed, falling between the cracks of the most well-meaning program.
• It is estimated that 160,000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students.
• 1-in-7 Students in Grades K-12 is either a bully or a victim of bullying.
• 56% of all students have personally witnessed some type of bullying at school.
• Bullying can take many forms but it usually includes the following types of behavior:
• Physical – hitting, pushing
• Verbal – slurs, put downs
• Indirect – spreading rumors and exclusion
• Cyber – harassment via texting or the internet