LAPLACE — Hayley Tramonte Favaloro of LaPlace has firsthand knowledge of the longstanding, damaging effects that result from bullying.

She was dismayed to see other parents criticized for speaking out about their children being targeted at St. John the Baptist Parish schools.

One account of a grade school student resorting to self-harm brought tears to her eyes and made her realize the need for a platform for parents of local students to seek help without being silenced.

She opened the virtual doors of the Speak Up Against Bullying – SJBP Schools Facebook group Saturday, and more than 20 members joined in two days. The group continues to grow.

“I got the feeling that there are many in this parish who don’t realize exactly what bullying does to a child,” Favaloro said. “When a victim isn’t being heard, regardless of what St. John the Baptist Parish school is involved, I’d like for members to surround the victim’s parents and show the parent, the victim, the bully and the school involved that enough is enough.”

The victim of bullying lasting from first through eighth grade, Favaloro said daily negativity led to personal struggles with depression, friendships, relationships and trust, some of which extended to adulthood.

When Favaloro looks at her own four children, she thinks of her long road to recovery and promises she will do anything to defend them from bullying.

The Speak Up Against Bullying group includes resources on bullying to help children identify whether they are being targeted, a tattling versus telling comparison and a list of steps a child can take toward mending relationships if they are the bully.

Organizing peaceful protests, attending school board meetings and contacting the archdiocese are ways members can help put a stop to bullying, according to Favaloro.

“These kids need to be heard because their realities are so shocking,” Favaloro said. “I think many in this parish are still living in the old days when we didn’t speak of such things. Well, it’s 2018. Bullying is real, the effects last a lifetime and it can be prevented.”

Group admin Michaela Booth, currently pregnant with her first child, joined Speak Up Against Bullying – SJBP Schools to get a feel for what’s going on in the public school system.

She believes preventing school shootings and other threats of violence starts with listening to children and offering help when they need it.

“So many kids got bullied when I went to school, and unless you played a sport or had a parent within the school, most times nothing was done about it,” Booth said. “My hope is that we can be a resource for students and parents to discuss any problems they are having and, if necessary, be a step in to help out.”

Booth suggests parents speak to their child’s teachers after meeting with administration to ensure there is a network of people to keep an eye out for any behavioral changes.

Parents are welcome to contact Booth at Mickybooth@yahoo.com to vent or ask for help.

Speak Up Against Bullying moderator Rhonda Stamper Nuccio is asking parents to help her compile a list of bullying complaints to present to the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board.

If parents and children do not get a positive response, she plans to take the complaints to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in Baton Rouge.

“It’s important for me to help these children not be afraid to go to school,” Nuccio said. “Parents need to know that the school is protecting their children. My current position is to act as a representative for parents who are overwhelmed with the whole situation. I want these children to know they aren’t fighting a losing battle.”

Swift action is the missing link needed to derail recurring bullying, according to Nuccio.

She said school response should not only protect the victim but also address the root of the problem.

To add a child’s name and bullying concerns to Nuccio’s list, contact her on Facebook or email Kissesnkids@gmail.com.