Warren school uses new anti-bullying program

WARREN, Mich. (WXYZ) - Beer Middle School in Warren is using a new approach on anti-bullying.

It's the first in its district to use a program called "Kids Empowered" which provides training to students, staff and parents on how to deal with bullying.

Principal Annette Lauria says all students and staff have gone through two days of training which includes role playing. Students are taught to speak up for themselves and others who are being bullied. Lauria says students are also taught when to seek adult intervention.

"Teachers have seen them use the strategies. The students are standing up for themselves", says Lauria.

Renee Harriman is an 8th grader at Beer Middle School. She says the program really helped her friends in connection with a fight started on Facebook. After going through the training Harriman says the girls have talked it out and are friends now.

Principal Lauria hopes more schools will get involved in programs like Kids Empowered.