DANVILLE, Va. – October has been declared “Bullying Prevention Month” by Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones.

The proclamation was issued at Tuesday night’s city council meeting and follows a concerted effort by Jones to address the problem of bullying in Danville’s school system.

Jones first addressed the situation in August, calling upon the public to recognize and stop bullying in the classroom.

In his recent proclamation, Jones says students should not live in fear of riding the bus, going to school, or attending community activities. He notes the Danville Police Department and Danville Public Schools have launched a collaborative effort to identify and investigate issues such as bullying, stalking, and communicating threats.