Parker’s PACE Center will host a special event next week aimed at equipping parents and kids with tools to push back against online harassment commonly known as cyberbullying
The Wednesday program, open to people of all ages, will be centered on a dramatic performance by Iowa-based called “Out of Bounds.” The play will use video clips, illustrations, and real stories from parents, teachers and others that have dealt with cyberbullying to tell the story of a 14-year-old girl who is bullied over her behavior online, according to a news release.
The PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., will also host a panel discussion as well as a talk by Highlands Ranch resident Kristy Arellano as part of the program. Arellano’s daughter, Kiana, was a freshman at ThunderRidge High School in 2013 when hateful social media messages coupled with depression led her to attempt suicide. Kiana survived but was left paralyzed and unable to speak. Last summer, Colorado lawmakers amended the state’s harassment ordinance to include . Arellano told state officials her daughter’s story and the measure was called “Kiana Arellano’s Law.”
Arellano said she knew her daughter was depressed but had no idea she was being subjected to nasty online abuse until the 14-year-old was already in intensive care. Kiana’s friends approached her parents with screenshots of some of the messages.
“I think it just pushed her further into despair,” Arellano said, urging kids to speak up if they see someone being bullied online.
“I think it’s just about increasing awareness,” Arellano said of the PACE Center event. “I knew my daughter was on social media. All kids now have these devices to be connected almost 24/7. It’s just making sure parents take the opportunity to talk to their kids about it.”
Arellano will be joined in the panel discussion by with Colorado Department of Education bullying expert Scott Ross and Ann Walton with the ‘s student wellness department. Numerous other agencies, including the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will be at the PACE Center to provide resources and information to attendees.
The event is $12 for adults and free for attendees 18 and younger. Seats still must be reserved by calling 303-805-6800 or by going online to .
The event begins at 5 p.m.
“I’m really excited to be part of this program because I do think it will help parents and kids on how to handle this situations,” Arellano said. “I think it will open up the lines of communication because it’s something adults and their kids can participate in together.
Joe Rubino: 303-954-2953, jrubino@denverpost.com or @RubinoJC
