October is National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and its goal is to raise awareness about the serious and lasting impacts of bullying in schools. This year’s theme, “Power for Good,” emphasizes the importance of using personal strengths and influence to speak out against bullying and support positive change, both online and in-person environments. Some important dates include World Day of Bullying Prevention on Oct. 6, when everyone is encouraged to wear blue, and Unity Day on Oct. 22.

According to StompOutBullying.org, bullying can take many forms:
– Physical- kicking, hitting, biting, and making threats.
– Verbal- name- calling, spreading rumors, and persistent teasing.
– Racist- making racial slurs, spray painting graffiti, and mocking a person’s culture.
– Sexual- unwanted physical contact or abusive comments.
– Cyberbullying- using electronic means via computers and phones, websites, chat rooms,
    instant messaging to torment, threaten, harass, humiliate, or target another child.

The CDC released a report titled, “The Relationship Between Bullying and Suicide: What We know and What it Means for Schools.” Bullying has serious and lasting negative effects on the mental health and overall well-being of youth involved in any way, including those who bully others, youth who are bullied, as well as those who have observed bullying. Negative outcomes include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, poor academic performance, and poor attendance. Both the bully and the person being bullied are at an increased risk for suicide-related behaviors. According to the CDC, bullying behavior and suicide-related behavior are closely related. Bullying may not be a direct cause of someone attempting suicide but sometimes combined with other risk factors such as emotional distress, family conflict, relationship problems, and alcohol and drug use will increase the risk of suicide among youth.