Today is National Stop Bullying Day

I'm sure we all agree we do not want the children we love to be bullies or to bully others, so a day focused on stopping bullying is a positive thing. Bullying is a nationally-recognized issue, and there are many resources for parents, teachers, victims of bullying, and bystanders to help stomp out the problem. Help the children you love know the following ways to stop bullying . . .

• Of schoolchildren between 12 and 18, 1 in 5 reported being bullied in school.
• The grade in which children more commonly report bullying is 6th grade - 31%.
• When a peer bystander intervenes, the bullying situation ends in over half of the cases.
• After you’ve learned about the types and dangers of bullying, share with your social circle. Increased awareness and prevention is the best way to improve the lives of those who quietly suffer. Posting your support of their struggle helps as well!
• One of the most effective ways to stomp out bullying is being an involved bystander. Often, the person being bullied feels powerless to tell an adult about the situation - that’s where a bystander comes in. Telling an adult when you see bullying is doing what’s right.
• 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 near you to learn more about bullying, pledge to never be a bully, and pick up tips on how to stomp out bullying!
• Stomping out bullying is imperative to improving and saving lives.
• Whether you’re the victim of bullying or you’re 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 and correct their situation - and others’.

Take time to learn about bullying and then make time to talk with the children you love. Reinforce with them how dearly they are loved and how valuable they are. If they are being bullied, help them report it as most schools have a zero tolerance for bullying and will step up to stop it. Help them learn to speak out and speak up to help others. When we all do something, it makes the world a better and safer place for the children we love. You will learn more at this link. 

#StopBullyingDay