There’s a bullying problem at Missoula’s C. S. Porter Middle School.

In a recent survey of students, over 50 percent said there was a bullying issue, so school officials have invited a national anti-bullying expert to speak to the student body this week

C. S. Porter Principal Lisa Hendrix said October is National Anti-Bullying Month.

“We had a parent who recently purchased a video series by national anti-bullying expert Brooks Gibbs called ‘Building Resiliency and Stopping Bullying’, and we’re super excited to have him here on Thursday afternoon to speak to our entire student body,” said Hendrix. “We have a benefactor who is paying his expenses to come to C. S. Porter, so they have made all the arrangements.”

Hendrix said there is more cyber-bullying than actual face-to-face on the playground at the school, but the assembly with Brooks Gibbs will address both areas.

“There’s definitely more bullying being done online and through social media, but that still spills over to school on Monday morning and throughout the school week,” she said. “What he talks to students about is resiliency, and how to respond to bullies so that you not only minimize their impact in your school community, but also to minimize their impact on individuals and the trauma that they can create.”

Brooks teaches students two basic principles: First, don’t get upset (Emotional Resilience) and then treat them like a friend (The Golden Rule).

Hendrix said Gibbs will be appearing at Hellgate Middle School on Thursday morning and then at C. S. Porter on Thursday afternoon.

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