Netherworld Helps Spread The Anti-Bullying Message With The ‘DON’T Be A Monster’ Campaign

Frankenstein and Friends Empower Young Teens to Take a Stand against Bullying

ATLANTA: The nationally-acclaimed seasonal attraction, NETHERWORLD Haunted House, has partnered for the fourth year with the “Don’t Be A Monster” anti-bullying campaign. The campaign begins at Atlanta area schools inviting students to enjoy engaging presentations from monsters and staff members of NETHERWORLD, while they discuss how to take a stand against bullying.

“We get to interact with kids in the Atlanta community, using a monster from NETHERWORLD, to communicate the importance of anti-bullying,” said Billy Messina, co-owner of NETHERWORLD Haunted House. “We continue to be board members closely involved with the growth of this national charity because we truly believe that kindness can overpower all. We look forward to visiting the schools this year so we can spread our positive messages with our kid-friendly monster.”

Founded during the 2012 Halloween season, “Don’t Be A Monster” started in San Antonio as a pilot program partnering the non-profit Organization City Year with the 13^th Floor Haunted House.

Visiting eight local schools and spreading the message to over 5,000 students, the pilot program was a success and encouraged haunted house co-owners, Chris Stafford and Jon Love, to form Imagine Better, Inc., an organization to combat bullying and expand the “Don’t Be A Monster” campaign. NETHERWORLD Haunted House is a founding board member of this organization and continues to help guide and expand the charities growth and success.

Each assembly focuses on the role of an Upstander. “Don’t Be A Monster” works to teach students ways that they can be an Upstander in school. During each presentation, participants discuss what constitutes bullying, what to do if it happens to you or you see it happening to someone else, diversity, acceptance, inclusion, and above all: kindness.

Each presentation will begin with a six minute video highlighting a day in the life of ‘Frank’, who is constantly bullied. Following the video,NETHERWORLD representatives will hold a 30 minute presentation using audience participation to exemplify ways of how to spot bullying and how to act as an Upstander against the actual monster, the bully. One in three students report being bullied in school and the numbers continue to rise.

This year’s presentations include: Grace Snell Middle on October 11 at 8:20am, Duluth Middle on October 12 at 7am, International Community School on October 17 at 6:30am, Summerour Middle School on October 19 at 8am, Paul D. West Middle on October 24 at 6:30am and Toomer Elementary School on October 25 at 10:30am.ABOUT DON’T BE A MONSTER: Don't Be A Monster is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Denver, CO that was founded by haunted house owners, and runs an engaging assembly that is put on by actors in the haunted house. We have an iconic character named Frank that represents people who are "a little different." Our presentations are creative and a lot of fun for students during the fall season. For more information on “Don’t Be A Monster,” visit www.DontBeAMonster.org.ABOUT NETHERWORLD:

NETHERWORLD, Atlanta’s popular self-guided, dark attraction, is one of the most highly-acclaimed Haunted Houses in the world. Known for its over-the top special effects, unique make-up, elaborate costuming, skilled stunt actors and unusual themes and details,NETHERWORLD has established itself as an Atlanta tradition. Since the attraction first opened 20 years ago, NETHERWORLD has been voted by publications such as Hauntworld Magazine, Dead Central, Fangoria and USA Today as the top haunt in the nation as well as been recognized both locally and nationally by media including CNN, The Today Show, The Early Show, The Travel Channeland Wall Street Journal. Every season, this innovative horror experience continues to draw in generations of thrill seekers eager to see what new nightmares have been released! NETHERWORLDis open nightly beginning Friday. Tickets range from $23 to $55.  For more information, visit www.fearworld.com or call 404-608-2484.
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