Numerous studies have shown that children with different physical, cognitive, emotional, or learning abilities than their peers are at an increased risk of being bullied. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a campaign founded in 2006 by the organization PACER. The campaign is supported by hundreds of schools, major corporations, and celebrities.
“October is a time when educators, students, parents, and community members can unite to share their support for the important issue of bullying prevention,” said Julie Hertzog, director of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. “Together, we can make our schools and communities safer.”
There are many ways schools and community members can get involved this October for the 10th anniversary of National Bullying Prevention Month:
- Celebrate Unity Day: Students, teachers, and community members will wear and share orange, and send a united message of support on Unity Day, Wednesday, October 19. Schools and organizations that serve children and families across the country have plans to host awareness events. Photos will be shared on social media using #UnityDay2016.
- Wear orange: People can send a message of unity and support by wearing orange items, such as T-shirts, socks, hats, ties, wristbands, or shoelaces on Unity Day and all month long. You can also order the official PACER T-shirt, which is part of CustomInk’s sixth annual “Be Good to Each Other” campaign (www.customink.com/stopbullying).
- Share orange: Enhance your Facebook profile photo with an orange National Bullying Prevention Month frame. Visit facebook.com/profilepicframes and search the “Causes” category beginning October 1. Instagram users can edit photos with an orange tint.
- Hold events and activities: Communities around the country mark National Bullying Prevention Month through creative events and initiatives. There are many resources, including classroom toolkits, free bookmarks, posters, and awareness-raising ideas available at www.PACER.org/Bullying. Some ideas include:
- Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying: This family-friendly run or walk/roll can include speakers, live entertainment, prizes, and more to raise awareness and funds for bullying prevention efforts in communities around the world.
- You’re Not Alone: PACER’s You’re Not Alone® (www.pacer.org/Bullying/yourenotalone) toolkits offer materials for classrooms and communities to show support for those who are bullied.
For more information, visit www.PACER.org/bullying.
This article was adapted from information provided by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center.