National Stop Bullying Day on the second Wednesday in October brings together students, faculty, and parents to end bullying.
This annual designation brings awareness to the need to stand up against and put an end to bullying. No child should be afraid to ride a bus or go to school because a classmate threatens them. Children who have been bullied should feel they can report the incident without repercussions.
Types of Bullying
Bullying comes in many forms. It occurs repeatedly and is a way for the perpetrator to show their power. Whether the bullying is verbal, physical, relational, or cyberbullying, the results are detrimental.
Verbal bullying involves spoken words. The person may threaten or call names. They may use disrespectful language toward family, friends, or specifically aimed at their target.
Physical bullying is aggression in the form of hitting, kicking, pushing, or any unwanted touch.
Relational bullying involves purposely excluding someone from activities, groups, or events through social tactics.
Source: Sanerica Davis / Sanerica Davis
Cyberbullying includes using social media, texts, and the internet to spread rumors, lies, or mean messages about a person.
Each type of bullying may have similar effects on the targeted person. They may withdraw even from their family or become mysteriously ill often. It’s essential to keep an open line of communication with children and students. Encourage students to participate in activities outside the home. Teach children the appropriate use of the internet, social media, and text. Have daily discussions with family members about their day. Set boundaries for behavior and provide a role model for how you expect them to behave and treat others.
The U.S. Department of Human Services set up a hotline that’s available 24/7 to receive assistance stopping bullying. Call 1-800-273-8255.
In the U.S., the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Also, in the U.S., the Suicide National Hopeline is 1-800-784-2433. Spanish is 1-888-628-9454.
HOW TO OBSERVE #StopBullyingDay
Attend a bullying prevention event in your school. If your school doesn’t host an event, help them get one started. Getting involved in activities spotlighting their strengths will help to empower them. Use #StopBullyingDay to post on social media. Inform yourself about the dangers of bullying.
NATIONAL STOP BULLYING DAY HISTORY
In 2009, eighteen sixth grade students from St. Stanislaus Kostka declared October National Stop Bullying Month, the second week of October National Stop Bullying Week, and Stop Bullying Day on the second Wednesday of October.
source: National Day Calendar
