Anti-Bullying Group Aims to do 'Great Things' in Buffalo Grove

Could the bullying some day be as socially unacceptable as it is today to smoke indoors at work?

That’s the hope of Mike Terson, who has expressed a desire to eradicate bullying since in 2011.

Terson told fellow trustees this month that he’s taken early steps to form a team of community members who want to tackle the issue.

“I’ve had some great conversations with some of our community leaders,” he said, noting that he recently convened a group that included elected officials, an elementary school principal and parents to discuss what can be done locally to prevent bullying.

“It was a very productive meeting, some great ideas were shared and I think this group is going to do some great things in our community,” he said.

“Our goal is to eradicate bullying in our community. I realize that’s a very lofty goal, but once upon a time, in our community and in others, smoking cigarettes indoors in offices was the norm. It was socially acceptable in our culture and over the course of time it changed. And that’s what I want to have the same effect with bullying,” he said. “I want it to not be socially acceptable.”

Some Village Board members praised his efforts, and one suggested that the community group expand its focus beyond children.

“I think it’s excellent to start with children as far as eradicating bullying, but I do want you to know bullying exists with adults as well,” Trustee Beverly Sussman said. “And you should listen and be aware of what goes on with adults, because it would be wonderful if we could eradicate it with them, too.”

Terson invited anyone interested in learning more about his initiative to email him at mterson@gmail.com.

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