Bullying is so pervasive that many adults view it as a normal part of childhood, even though research clearly links bullying to later criminal behavior and crime victimization; increased likelihood of suicide, mental illness and substance abuse; and most school shootings.

In an effort to change the culture of acceptance of bullying, the Butler County Board of Education is joining forces with Nick and Terry Saban’s foundation, Nick’s Kids, to bring attention to the issue of  bullying through a series of free concerts by country music star Matt Kennon in Butler County high schools and middle schools.

Kennon will be joined by inspirational speaker Troy McLain, who appeared on season one of “The Apprentice,” to bring the message that “bullying is not cool” to Greenville High School, Greenville Middle School, McKenzie School and Georgiana School on March 11 and 12. Students at the participating schools have been encouraged to create music videos to Kennon’s anti-bullying anthem “You Had to Pick on Me.” The most effective videos will be shown in the assemblies at each school.

“Research indicates that half of all kids experience bullying at some point during their school years, and a significant number are bullied repeatedly,” Butler County Schools Superintendent Darren Douthitt said. “Bullying and cyber‐bullying peaks in middle school and continues as a serious threat in high school.  Bullied children – and the bullies themselves – are far more likely to drop out of school. Clearly, bullying is not just the business of school personnel or law enforcement. Bullying is the business of every parent and grandparent who wants to keep their kids safe.”

Nick’s Kids is the official charity of Nick Saban and his family. The Nick’s Kids Fund is a non profit organization dedicated to supporting children, family, teacher and student causes. Nick and Terry Saban dedicate time to the Nick’s Kids Fund by executing multiple events throughout the year, as well as conducting day-to-day activities to keep the charity alive.  The Sabans have previously supported Kennon’s anti-bullying program in Tuscaloosa and Jefferson Counties.