Bullying is a problem nationwide. It happens every day inside schools. On Thursday night, a handful of students asked Bedford County schools to get tough.
"I'm here to take a stand against bullying and I tell you I demand a change for every student out there," says Laura Ellis.
Ellis is sophomore at Staunton River High School. She says she was bullied by students in 8th and 9th grades. She told school officials it's still happening.
She started a Facebook group demanding an end to bullying. It has nearly 600 fans. Now her goal is to convince the Bedford County school board to adopt a prevention program required for all teachers, administrators, and students.
Her supporters are just as passionate. Several students shared their stories at Thursday's meeting.
"Between name calling, threatening me or backing me into a corner I just didn't think it would ever end," says student Cami Mullins.
Parents called for change.
"I would like for everybody to be trained on bullying," says Wendy Tucker, "I'd like for the bullies either to be kicked out of school permanently or sent to a different class."
The Bedford County school system does train some staff on bullying. The school system also has a anti-bullying pledge that students sign.
But these students and parents say more needs to be done to keep schools safe.
