I write this petition as a concerned mother of two young girls in the Roanoke community, a place that has recently been marred by the tragic suicides of minors due to rampant bullying. As a community, we must not sit back while our children suffer in silence. It's time to take collective action.

Bullying can lead to devastating consequences, including lower academic performance, increased anxiety and, in some cases like we've experienced here, suicide. No parent should have to plan a funeral for their child because the effects of bullying became too much to handle. 

Our children have the right to attend schools that foster a positive environment and ensure their safety. Thus, it is crucial for Roanoke County Public Schools to adopt a thorough and effective anti-bullying policy, one that not only defines and condemns all forms of bullying but also provides assurance and fairness. It should outline preventive measures, adequate reporting systems, and appropriate consequences for perpetrators.

Standing by and watching our children suffer is not an option. For the wellbeing of our children and the betterment of our community, we must insist on a robust anti-bullying policy from our educational institutions. We ask that the school district reform their current policy to include repercussions to those who do not abide by a zero-tolerance approach. We feel the procedure and consequence for bullying should be as follows: when a child is reported for bullying, the parents/guardian of the child will be made aware of the situation and it will be clearly explained that no further chances will be given. If the child is reported for bullying a second time, the child will be expelled from the school and will not be allowed to enroll at another school in the district. It will be the responsibility of that child's parent/guardian to find an alternative education solution. 

More needs to be done to help protect students and to put forth true effort in preventing the tragedy of suicide due to bullying. Please hear our cry for change.