National Stop Bullying Day!
National Stop Bullying Day, on October 13th, brings together students, faculties, and parents to end bullying.
In 2009, eighteen sixth-grade students from St. Stanislaus Kostka declared October the National Stop Bullying Month, the second week of October the National Stop Bullying Week, and the second Wednesday of October the National Stop Bullying Day.
This annual designation promotes standing up against bullying and putting an end to it. No children should be afraid of riding a bus or going to school because a classmate threatens them. Children who have been bullied should also feel like they can report the incident without repercussions.
Types of Bullying
Bullying comes in many forms. It occurs repeatedly and is a way for perpetrators to show their power. Whether the bullying is verbal, physical, relational, or cyber, the results are detrimental.
Verbal bullying: This 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: This is aggression in the form of hitting, kicking, pushing, or any unwanted touch.
Relational bullying: This involves purposely excluding someone from activities, groups, or events through social tactics.
Cyberbullying: This includes using social media, texts, and the internet to spread rumours, lies, or mean messages about a person.
Each type of bullying may have similar effects on the targeted person. They may even withdraw from their family or become mysteriously ill often. It’s essential to keep an open line of communication with children and students and encourage students to participate in activities outside home. It is also important to teach children how to use the internet and social media appropriately. While having daily discussions with family members about their day, share information about setting boundaries. Teach them the behaviour you expect them to display and also teach them how to treat others kindly.
5 Important facts about bullying
1 in 5 students between ages 12 to 18 have been bullied
It heavily affects 6th graders, it has been reported that 31% of the 6th graders are affected
Bullying is less likely to be reported in high school
It has caused around 160,000 teens to skip school
Bystanders can absolutely stop the bullying
How to observe on National Stop Bullying Day
1. Post #StopBullyingDay
After you’ve learned about the types and dangers of bullying, share them with your social circle. Increased awareness and prevention is the best way to improve the lives of those who quietly suffer.
2. Tell an adult when you see bullying
One of the most effective ways to stomp out bullying is by involving as a bystander. Often, the person being bullied feels powerless and refrains from telling an adult about the situation - this is where a bystander comes in. Telling an adult when you see bullying is doing what’s right.
3. Attend an anti-bullying event
Many schools and community organizations hold anti-bullying events to raise awareness and help prevent bullying situations. These could be anything from a fun run to an assembly with a guest speaker. Attend one to learn more about bullying, pledge to never be a bully, and pick up tips on how to stomp out bullying.
Why National Stop Bullying Day is important
It saves lives
The humiliation, anger, sadness, hopelessness, and other feelings that bullying causes can feel insurmountable. Bullying itself can be violent and dangerous. Stopping bullying can save lives.
It raises awareness of all forms of bullying
We may think of one specific form of bullying when the word comes to mind, but it exists in a myriad of ways. Some types of bullying can also fall under the term “harassment.”
It encourages bravery
Whether you’re the victim of bullying or a bystander, it takes guts to open up about the situation or report it to an authority. Many fear for their safety, well-being, or social status. National Stop Bullying Day can give those affected by bullying the extra push to speak out about their situation.
How can I help someone who has been bullied
Don’t be a bystander
Do not laugh, encourage or ignore the action of the bully
Tell the bully what they are doing is wrong and support the person being bullied by walking away with them
Posting or mentioning comments of support, and listen or message the person bullied to see if they need to talk
Tell the person being bullied you will go with them to talk to a trusted adult
Tell an adult when you witness bullying
Tell the person being bullied that you are there for them
Conclusion
Bullying is very serious and it can cause trauma on people, especially kids and teenagers. It can be damaging to both a person’s physical wellbeing and mental health. Now that we are aware of National Stop Bullying Day, we should also acknowledge the fact that we need to stop and report bullying to a trusted adult.
References
https://nationaldaycalendar.com
https://nationaltoday.com/national-stop-bullying-day
Researcher: Tiffany