Local teens can share their experiences and express themselves through art in a forum on anti-bullying hosted by the La Pintoresca Teen Education Center from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday.
The forum is co-organized by the Pasadena Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services and coincides with this month’s celebration of Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, as proclaimed by the Pasadena City Council on Oct. 4. The observance recognizes the importance of preventing childhood bullying and promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion, according to a City Hall statement.
Liz Luna, a recreation services specialist with the Parks Department, said the forum is focused on having a safe space to talk about bullying and the negative impacts that it has on the mental health of teens.
“The forum is designed to bring awareness about bullying, and to empower teens,” Luna said. “Part of the forum will include the teens devising anti-bullying strategies and techniques, and will help empower teens to speak with trusted adults in their lives about bullying.”
Luna, who oversees programming at the La Pintoresca Teen Education Center, will be leading the discussion. The center, located at 1415 N. Raymond Ave., offers age-appropriate programming and events for teens ages 12 to 17 focused on personal and academic growth.
Luna said one of the topics in the upcoming forum will be how teens can avail of mental health resources in case they would ever be in need of additional follow-on counseling.
“The goal is to let the teens know that there are people who care about what is happening to them, and possibly even find an ally who can help them through difficult situations,” Luna continued. “Our programs are focused on developing teens personally and academically to help them reach their goals.”
Thursday’s event is in person and will be conducted in accordance with Pasadena Public Health Department protocols on COVID-19. Face coverings are required of all attendees.
For more information about the Anti-Bullying Forum, call (626) 345-0706.
