October is National Bullying Prevention Month in the United States. This is a special campaign that was officially founded in the year of 2006 by the organization known as “PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center”. This campaign is held in the month of October. Its intent and purpose is to educate and increase awareness about all types of bullying in an effort to encourage individuals to avoid engaging in the practice. Traditionally, this campaign was celebrated only in the first week of the Month of October; however, in the year of 2010, it was expanded for the entire month. Since that time, numerous activities, educational events, and various forms of awareness take place throughout the entire Month of October in celebration of National Bullying Prevention Month.
Bullying and Cyberbullying Results in Devastation
Throughout history, the traditional view of bullying was that it was a “rite of passage” in childhood. Many people believe that bullying makes a child stronger, mentally. Many of these same adults grew up quoting the ever-popular phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but, words will never hurt me.” The reality is, it has been found that words DO hurt. In fact, bullying is a highly devastating condition. Many students will avoid social events, lose a desire in attending school, experience low levels of self-esteem, suffer from high levels of anxiety, and experience depression. Many kids have suffered so immensely from bullying and cyberbullying that they have either attempted suicide or have taken their lives. Bullying – regardless of form – is not socially acceptable. That is what National Bullying Prevention Month in the United States is all about –teaching people that all forms of bullying are unacceptable and educating people on how to help themselves and others if bullying is a problem.
Cyberbullying – What is it?
We all know what bullying is, but, in recent years, there has been an increased amount of talk regarding cyberbullying. What is it? This is a form of bullying that occurs through electronic technology and gadgets. These types of gadgets include cell phones, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets, and eBook readers. The bullying usually occurs through electronic communications. Examples include through social media platforms, text messaging, chat, as well as various other types of websites. Examples of cyberbullying include sending text messages that are considered to be mean or insensitive, sending emails of the same nature, posting information on social media platforms to hurt someone in some way, creating fake profiles to illegally represent and/or embarrass someone, or threatening someone through electronic communication platforms. Most individuals that are cyberbullied are also bullied in person. Unfortunately, the following issues go along with cyberbullying:
- This form of bullying may happen at any time of the day or night, on any or every single day of the week.
- The cyberbullying may be posted in an anonymous manner and be distributed to a large number of people in a very quick fashion.
- It is difficult to delete messages, texts, and other forms of inappropriate, hurtful, and/or harassing messages once they have been sent or posted online.
2015 Initiatives
There are several new initiatives for National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month in 2015. These include the following:
- The first initiative is the new campaign called, “You’re Not Alone”. This provides various resources and a wide assortment of educational material on various methods that may be used by the community to display their unity against bullying.
- October 21st is considered to be “Unity Day”. This is the day where people all over the national will wear the color orange to represent their desire to end bullying. There will be events held, stories told, videos placed online, and various other activities in 2015 supporting the rally for bully prevention.
- The National Bullying Prevention Center by PACER has created a large number of resources that are now available for adults, teenagers, and kids alike. These include PACER.org, PACERTeensAgainstBullying.org, and PACERKidsAgainstBullying.org.
Bullying Strategies – Parenting Tips
Parenting Tip One: Return an Insult with a Compliment
Parenting Tip Two: Call the Bully Out
Parenting Tip Three: Allow Your Children to Express Their Feelings at Home
Parenting Tip Four: Let them Know They Should Never Tolerate Being Made to Feel Uncomfortable
Parenting Tip Five: Get Involved
Parenting Tip Six: Get Your Child Involved in Sports or Clubs
Read more Bullying Strategies
Summary
Bullying is a highly challenging problem across the nation. Once believed to be a normal part of growing up, it has now been established that bullying is a serious problem that may wreak havoc in a person’s personal life, professional life, and academic life. October is National Bullying Prevention Month. You should become the voice of your community on taking a stand against bullying. There are many methods to support this cause. If you would like more information, visit the following website: http://www.stompoutbullying.org/index.php/campaigns/national-bullying-prevention-awareness-month/
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