The school year is ready to begin, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office is asking parents to sit with their children for 5 minutes and explain that there’s never a reason to make fun of someone for their height, weight, skin tone, home life, or the things they enjoy.

Explain there’s nothing wrong with wearing the same shoes every day.

Explain to them that a used backpack carries the same dreams as a new one.

Teach them not to exclude anyone for “being different.”

Explain to them that teasing hurts and that school is for attending to LEARN, NOT to compete or spread negativity.

Remind them that some kids don’t go home to loving families, so it’s essential to be kind. It all starts at home!