Updated Article: Original publish date 10/22/2012

October is National Anti-Bullying Awareness Month. PACER created the national campaign in 2006 to unite communities nationwide to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention. With one incident of bullying every seven minutes, it is the most frequent form of violence that school-aged children encounter.

It is estimated that 160,000 children miss school every day because of the fear of assault or intimidation by other students. Bullying and harassment stand in the way between too many youth and the opportunity for an education. The effects of bullying can last a lifetime.

There are many resources that you or your child can become involved in to help put an end to bullying. Students can take the pledge and stand up to bullied students. There are numerous campaigns that are aimed towards educating students and parents on bullying. These campaigns encourage participants to be part of the solution and not the problem.

If your child is being targeted by bullying at school consider taking the following steps:

• Work with your child: Understand the situation such as when the bullying is occurring, who is administrating it and how your child responded.
• Work with the school: Meet with your child’s teacher and discuss what is happening to your child. Ask what can be done so that your child can feel safe at school.
• Work with district administration: Contact the district superintendent requesting a meeting to discuss the situation.

If you are not a parent of a child who is being bullied but are a concerned friend, family member or an educator you can use additional steps to stop and prevent bullying.

Additional Resources

StopBullying.gov StompOutBullying.org