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'Bullying is Not Dope': DC 2nd grader starts anti-bullying campaign

Ammar Van Dorn is a second grader at Anne Beers Elementary School in Southeast, DC. He's hoping to make an impact not only in his school but in the community.

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA9) — A D.C. second grader has started an anti-bullying campaign after being bullied last year at his pervious school.

Ammar Van Dorn currently attends Anne Beers Elementary School in Southeast, D.C. He’s hoping to make an impact not only in his school, but in the community.

Ammar was bullied last school year at his previous school.

“I was mad because I got angry and started fighting people,” he recalled.

“He really didn't understand why he was being teased why he was being picked on and it was by numerous students so not only was the class oversized, he felt alone,” explained his mom Tenika Brown. "When we got home I asked him about it and he said ‘mom bullying is not cool, bullying is not dope.’"

Now, the campaign is called 'Bullying is Not Dope'. It was formed in October 2017. Ammar is the visionary and his mom is the COO.

The mission is “to bridge the gap between the effects of bullying and mental health illnesses in urban communities,” Brown said.

They’ve taken that mission on the road. They speak at schools, community meetings; they’ve even partnered with the Boys and Girls Club to host an Anti-Bullying and Suicide Awareness Forum.

“We ultimately pass bullying off as it’s a part of growing up, but what we have to be mindful of is it’s a very fine line between bullying and teasing,” Brown explained.

Brown’s advice to parents is talk to your kids, take their concerns seriously, and take time to listen.

“Because if you don’t take time to slow down and grow up with them they can grow up without you,” added.

She recommends instituting “car talk” on the way to and from school.

Talk to your children about their day, their favorite songs and if there is a change in behavior or mood that could be a red flag.

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