October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month—a time when we, as a community, can rally together to raise awareness about bullying and the ways we can prevent it.
Understanding Bullying
Bullying can happen in many ways and in many places. According to StopBullying.gov, bullying is when someone uses their power to hurt or scare another person over and over again. It can be physical, verbal, or relational. And it can happen just about anywhere, like school, the Internet, or even down the street.
Why Bullying Prevention Matters
Bullying affects more than just the person being bullied. It can make our whole community feel uncomfortable and unsafe. People who are bullied can have a hard time in school, feel lonely, and might even get anxious or scared. By preventing bullying, we make our city a happier and safer place for everyone.
How to Help Stop Bullying
Learn and Share
Understanding bullying is a big step towards stopping it. Once you know what bullying looks like and how it affects people, you can share this knowledge with your friends, family, or even on social media.
Be Kind and Respectful
It’s important to show kindness and respect to everyone. We should teach children to appreciate how special and unique we all are. Schools and community groups can help by having rules against bullying and encouraging everyone to be nice to each other.
Stand Up to Bullying
If you see someone being bullied, don’t just stand by. Support the person who is being bullied and let them know they’re not alone. Tell a teacher, a parent, or another trusted adult about what happened.
Bullying Prevention in Our City
Bullying Prevention Awareness Month is an important time for us to recognize the prevalence and impact of bullying and work towards creating a safer, more inclusive community. By educating ourselves, promoting respect and empathy, and standing up against bullying, we can make our city a place where everyone feels welcome and safe.