Obama says bullying needn't be part of growing up

[March 10, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The topic of bullying is getting attention from the highest levels of the White House.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are headlining a conference Thursday on preventing bullying. Students, parents and teachers have been invited to discuss their experiences with bullying as well as what schools and communities are doing to stop it.

In a Facebook video promoting the conference, Obama says bullying is not an unavoidable part of growing up.

He says the country is seeing the harmful effects of this type of harassment as more students report it. In some instances, young people are said to have committed suicide to escape being bullied.

A mother of two, Mrs. Obama says it's everyone's responsibility to make sure kids treat each other with respect.

[Associated Press]

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