October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and we should all work together to end bullying in school. When bullying is allowed to continue at school, it can be a civil rights issue and can also create significant suffering for victims. Moreover, bullying is not a healthy activity for the bully, and intervention can be a positive experience for all involved.
According to PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center one out of every five students, on average, reports being bullied in school, at school-related activities, or by schoolmates online or after hours.
Let’s get united against bullying
One of the things individuals can do to promote knowledge of the problem is simply to wear an orange t-shirt on Unity Day, which is Wednesday, October 23. If you would like an official version, you can order one that says “Choose Kindness, Acceptance, and Inclusion” from PACER, but there is no need to buy a new shirt if you already have an orange one. (We have no affiliation with PACER.)
Individuals can also:
- Take an anti-bullying pledge online
- Download photos, posters and social media banners and frames
- Contact lawmakers about anti-bullying initiatives
- Ask the governor to proclaim October National Bullying Prevention Month
- Attend events
- Spread the word
Schools and organizations can take part in a variety of anti-bullying activities this month, including registering as a Champion Against Bullying. You can also hold a pledge signing event, speak out in your community, download and print flyers and posters, and engage in activities to highlight bullying and how to prevent it. PACER has a number of resource kits, classroom tool kits and lesson plans available for order and download.
In addition, communities are invited to hold a “run, walk, roll” against bullying. Several communities, including Santa Rosa, have already done so.
We know that bullying can hurt for a lifetime. Take advantage of National Bullying Prevention Month to educate yourself about the issue, raise awareness, and show your support for anti-bullying efforts.