National Bullying Prevention Month
National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month! Let’s start the celebration by learning about the what, why and how of this event.
WHAT
National Bullying Prevention Month was created by the PACER National Bullying Prevention Center in 2006. It was originally just a week-long event of awareness, but has since expanded to a month-long event.
The month is dedicated to raising awareness about the harmful effects that bullying has on kids and adults.
It is a time where many groups such as the National PTA and the NCPIE campaign, share resources, and discuss and highlight the epidemic of bullying.
WHY
Bullying is too big of a problem to be ignored. Participating in this month allows for many opportunities for learning about conflict resolution, treating others with kindness, and empathy or understanding others.
These are lessons that can help us all, but especially youth in their lives today and beyond.
Paula F. Goldber, executive director of PACER, the group who founded National Bullying Prevention Month, said “Childhood bullying is a significant problem nationwide. It can cause school absenteeism, mental and physical stress, poor school performance, poor self-esteem, and, in some cases, school violence.”
“Statistics show that 160,000 children in the United States miss school each day as a result of being bullied. That’s not acceptable. Teachers and parents can play a critical role in creating a climate where bullying is not tolerated. When adults and children stand together, bullying ends,” Goldberg said.
HOW
How can you participate in this month and learn about bullying prevention?
One opportunity for learning and participation is Unity Day, which is a key event of National Bullying Prevention Month. This year Unity Day falls on October 20th. You can participate in Unity Day by wearing orange to show your support for anti-bullying.
You might also encourage your local schools, businesses, and community to celebrate this day!
Another way you can participate is by taking our #standwithme anti-bullying pledge! Vist https://standandcheerco.com/standwithme-upstander-pledge/ to sign the pledge and share how you will be an upstander!
We have a ton of great resources and information on bullying prevention and education throughout our website. We encourage everyone to be an upstander in their community and stand for kindness for themselves and for others.
Happy National Bullying Prevention Month!
SOURCES
National Bullying Prevention Month