Lexi Tebeau knows first-hand how cruel children can sometimes be to their peers. As a Child & Family Safety Advocate with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, she helps at-risk children in Tampa who are struggling with self-esteem, bullying and safe relationships through the Crisis Center's C.A.R.E. program.  Many of these children are dealing with financial uncertainty, domestic instability, and numerous other issues which can lead to relationship problems with kids in their school.

Lexi was contacted by the guidance counselor at West Tampa Elementary to provide assistance and mentoring to a group of 2nd grade girls who were involved in a cyber-bullying situation. One of the children, Megan, was included in some photographs that were posted on Instagram. Three girls in her class had found the photos and were using their cell phones and home computers to make comments like "You're ugly!", "Don't be friends with her!", "You're a geek!", and additional, more explicit comments.

Lexi sat down with each child, and their parent/guardian, to determine what motivated the child to act out in such a way. She also made certain the whole family understood the potential emotional trauma bullying can have on a victim, and the legal/financial liability that could potentially impact their own family.  

A few weeks later, Lexi knew she had made a positive impact on the three girls who had been the "bullies".  Two of the girls had witnessed a classmate being verbally abused by another child in the  school and reported the situation to Lexi and the school guidance counselor.  At that moment, Lexi  knew the kids had transitioned from being bullies, and were now active participants in helping to create a bully-free environment in their school.

Bullying and anti-violence prevention are just one way the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is here to ensure that no one in our community has to face crisis alone. To learn more about the Crisis Center's impact, join us for a lunchtime tour. Click HERE to see a schedule of upcoming tours.