October is Bullying Prevention Month, a month-long event to prevent childhood bullying and promote kindness, acceptance and inclusion.
What is Bullying?
According to StopBullying.gov, bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems. There are three types of bullying: verbal, social and physical. For more information on what constitutes bullying, visit StopBullying.gov.
As the use of computers, tablets and other devices has increased for kids and teens over the past several months in addition to the prevalence of social media, cyberbullying may be a big concern for parents. ConnectSafely recommends that take the time to really listen to your child if they come to you for help with cyberbullying. Also, take the time to understand the whole situation from multiple perspectives. You can read their full Tips to Stop Cyberbullying here.
Teaching children about kindness and acceptance from an early age is very important to the prevention of bullying. You can read books with your child about empathy and positive ways to stand up to bullying or watch movies that teach about the importance of kindness.
Anti-Bullying Resources and Information
PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center offers resources for individuals, schools and communities to show their support and help stop bullying.
STOMP Out Bullying™
is the leading national nonprofit dedicated to changing the culture for all students. It works to reduce and prevent bullying, cyberbullying and other digital abuse
, educates against homophobia, LGBTQ+ discrimination, racism and hatred, and deters violence in schools, online and in communities across the country.