Indiana family moving because of bullying

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WHITELAND, Ind., June 5 (UPI) -- An Indiana mother says she was inspired to lobby for stronger anti-bullying laws because school officials failed to help her bullied daughter.

Angela Stagge told The Indianapolis Star her family is also moving from Whiteland so Chelsea Little, 15, will no longer have to attend the Whiteland Community High School. Chelsea finished her freshman year in high school with online work.

Stagge says her daughter was bullied and threatened in school and in public places such as parks and subjected to online bullying on Facebook. She said she showed school officials police reports and Facebook threats.

Chelsea said her problems began in eighth grade when she did not respond to advances from a male student. A friend who liked the boy turned on her and others joined in.

She said the bullies spread rumors she was pregnant and even that she had killed one or more babies. She said she was also physically attacked in school bathrooms.

"If you can imagine it, I've probably been pushed into it," she said.

Stagge started a petition drive for stronger anti-bullying laws and said she has 900 signatures so far. She is also organizing a walk in July to raise money for school anti-bullying programs.