National Bullying Prevention Month
National Bullying Prevention Month, observed every October, is a campaign to raise awareness about the harmful effects of bullying and promote strategies for prevention. It was established in 2006 by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center to increase awareness, engage communities, and create a culture where bullying is no longer seen as an acceptable behavior. Initially focused on school-age children, the initiative has grown to include bullying prevention for people of all ages, including adults.
Bullying is defined as seeking to harm, intimidate, or pressure someone who may be perceived as vulnerable. It’s particularly experienced among children and teens, and has long-term negative effects on mental health, social development, and academic success. The establishment of Bullying Prevention Month arose from a need to address these issues more comprehensively, focusing on education, intervention, and empowerment. The campaign seeks to:
Foster safer and more inclusive school environments.
Promote kindness and empathy.
Equip students, parents, educators, and communities with tools to respond to and prevent bullying.
Bullying affects both children and adults, and understanding prevention strategies is vital for promoting emotional well-being, mental health, and community safety.
BULLYING EFFECTS ON CHILDREN:
Children who are bullied can suffer from anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, with effects that can last into adulthood.
Bullying can negatively affect a child’s academic performance, leading to lower engagement in school and higher dropout rates.
Bullying can interfere with developing healthy relationships, social communication, and self-confidence.
BULLYING EFFECTS ON ADULTS:
Adults may experience bullying in workplaces, which can lead to stress, job dissatisfaction, and lower productivity.
Just as with children, bullying can affect adults’ social interactions, personal relationships, and mental health.
Bullying can hurt family and community dynamics where parents, community leaders, and other adults in important social roles might create discouraging environments for others that could limit growth and effective decision-making.
Adults who bully others in front of children risk teaching that it’s okay to harm, intimidate, or pressure others.
NATIONAL ACTIVITIES & WAYS TO SPREAD AWARENESS
During National Bullying Prevention Month, individuals and organizations can participate in a variety of activities to promote kindness, inclusion, and bullying prevention. Here are some key ways to get involved and spread awareness:
Wear Orange for Unity Day: Wear and share orange on October 16th to show support for kindness, acceptance, inclusion, and unity. Get your promotional poster for your school, business, or community to encourage them to wear orange on Unity Day!
Community Events: There aren’t any public events to attend in Yamhill County that pertain to Bullying Prevention Month, so you could create your own! Organize workshops, rallies, walks, or candlelight vigils to spread awareness to parents, educators, and community members on recognizing and responding to bullying while showing support for those affected.
Classroom Activities: Schools can engage students in activities that promote empathy, respect, and kindness, such as writing letters of support, creating posters, or participating in discussions about bullying. Here’s a Student Activity Kit for K-12 students!
Bullying Prevention Pledges: Encourage schools, workplaces, and communities to take pledges to stand against bullying and promote a culture of respect.
“I pledge to support others who have been hurt or harmed, treat others with kindness, be more accepting of people’s differences, and help include those who are left out.” Take the pledge here!Mental Health Support: Emphasize the importance of mental health services and encourage those affected by bullying to seek help, highlighting its long-term emotional impact.
Social Media Campaigns: Use social media platforms to raise awareness by sharing information, personal stories, and graphics about bullying prevention. Popular hashtags include #StopBullying and #UnityDay, which helps promote events and spread positive messages of inclusion.
Educational Resources: Distribute materials like brochures or flyers to schools, groups, or the public to raise awareness about the effects of bullying and prevention strategies.