National Bullying Prevention Month – October

3 min read | Posted on October 11, 2017

National Bullying Prevention Month is a campaign in the United States founded in 2006 by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. The campaign is held during the month of October and unites communities nationwide to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention. Traditionally held the first week in October, the event was expanded in 2010 to include activities, education, and awareness building for the entire month. National Bullying Prevention Month is recognized in communities across the United States, with hundreds of schools and organizations signing on as partners.

PACER developed the initial campaign National Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week in response to the need to raise awareness of bullying, as it was historically viewed as “a childhood rite of passage” and believed that bullying “made kids tougher.” The reality is that bullying has devastating effects on children and youth such as school avoidance, loss of self-esteem, increased anxiety, and depression.

PACER reached out to the community through partnerships with education-based organizations such as National PTA, American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association to provide schools, parents and students with resources that help respond to bullying behavior and begin the shift from societal acceptance of bullying to social change in addressing the issue through education and support. PACER disseminated nationwide press releases through the partners and media channels, encouraging a call to action to educate the community about their role in bullying prevention, which provided the groundwork for the campaign to be consistently recognized as an annual event every October.

Visit http://www.pacer.org/bullying/ for more information and resources on bullying prevention.  Here are some ways that you can participate:

Bullying can take place in the following forms: verbal (words), physical (actions), relational/social (ruining a reputation), or cyber (web-based). There are many resources out there to help, whether you are a parent, family member, or friend, someone being bullied, or the person doing the bullying.  

Visit the following websites for resources, tip sheets, and more information:

Stomp Out Bullying has a free and confidential online HelpChat Line that helps youth ages 13-24 ONLY with issues around bullying and cyberbullying; as well as providing support to youths who may be at risk of suicide.  When the Help Chat Line is not available and you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the GLBT National Youth Talkline at 1-800-246-PRIDE (1-800-246-7743).

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STOMP Out Bullying ™  Change The Culture
www.stompoutbullying.org 1.877.N0BULLY (602.8559)

STOMP Out Bullying™ is the leading national anti-bullying and cyberbullying organization for kids and teens in the U.S. It is dedicated to changing the culture for all students, and works to reduce and prevent bullying, cyberbullying, sexting and other digital abuse, educates against homophobia, LGBTQ discrimination, racism and hatred, and deters violence in schools, online and in communities across the country. In this diverse world, STOMP Out Bullying promotes civility, inclusion and equality for all. It teaches effective solutions on how to respond to all forms of bullying, as well as educating kids and teens in school and online. It provides help for those in need and at risk of suicide. STOMP Out Bullying™ is recognized as the most influential anti-bullying organization in America.
A 501 ( C ) (3) nonprofit and a GuideStar charity.
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