Riverview, N.B. residents, businesses band together to combat youth bullying

'Why not speak up and do something about it now before it grows into a huge problem?' says one resident.

Residents and business owners in Riverview, N.B., are banding together to help combat bullying, which some say has become a big problem in their community in recent years.

Shannon Shaban put up a sign reading “Bullying stops here — Safe Spot” on the door of her second-hand clothing called Dayzee’s Fashions in Riverview this week.

“We can lock the door, we can protect them, we can hide them, we can call the police and do whatever we need to do,” said Shaban, who said she put up the sign after hearing about issues with bullying in the community.

Riverview resident Jason Savage says at least 20 other businesses are interested in following Shaban’s lead by making their businesses safe zones for youth as well.

“It has taken off quite tremendously. It is going quite viral in the community,” said Savage.

Savage has organized an anti-bullying rally to take place in the community on Saturday. He said the goal is to raise awareness about what he sees as a growing problem with bullying at some Riverview schools, particularly at Riverview High School.

“I have friends with kids who have just started their journeys in high school and have experienced some bullying situations. So it is like, why not speak up and do something about it now before it grows into a huge problem?” he said.

Savage’s two children graduated from Riverview High School and were never bullied, but he said that he was as a child.