Bullying behaviors among children of all ages has reached epidemic proportions. More than 160,000 children in this country miss school each day because they are afraid of attacks or intimidation by a peer. This destructive pattern can begin as early as preschool and it is essential that parents, educators and communities work together to remedy this situation that can have lifelong effects.

On Monday, April 6, area educators are hosting an in-depth discussion on Freeing Children from Fear, led by Jeanine Fitzgerald, an internationally recognized trainer, certified human behavior consultant, family/professional coach and mentor. The program will be at the Oak Bluffs School cafeteria, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Ms. Fitzgerald will help the group explore what steps can and should be taken to free children from this fear. She will explain how to identify the many forms of bullying, discover how to empower victims and bystanders, co mbat common myths, and learn how and when to intervene to protect children from each other.

Freeing Children from Fear is open to the public but preregistration is requested. For more information or to register, call Marney Toole at 508-693-7900, extension 283, or via e-mail at mtoole@mvcommunityservices.com.