It’s never easy to talk about tough topics like bullying. But when we address them head-on and bring them out into the open, we have a better chance at preventing bully behavior and helping the victims. Here’s how to make National Bullying Prevention Month 2023 a time for meaningful action.
NOTE: While all kids are mean to one another from time to time, bullying is a persistent pattern of behavior, meant to emphasize a power imbalance and hurt the victim. Learn the differences between bullying and other forms of conflict here.
When is National Bullying Prevention Month 2023?
National Bullying Prevention Month takes place each year in October. To kick it off, October 2, 2023, is the 17th annual World Day of Bullying Prevention. Organizations like Stomp Out Bullying sponsor special events on this day to help spread the word. October 18, 2023, is Unity Day, a time to unite for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
What is Bullying Prevention Month?
Though schools should focus on creating an anti-bullying culture year-round, October has been set aside as a time to draw special attention to this important issue. A variety of organizations come together to support schools as they work to create a safer, kinder environment for all students.
Bullying may include in-person or online behavior (known as cyberbullying). It’s become a major issue in schools, where 1 in 5 students now report experiencing bullying behavior. Students may be bullied for their physical appearance, race/ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, or sexual orientation, among other reasons.
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The good news is that research indicates that strong bullying prevention programs can help reduce bullying at school. These programs can help potential bullies recognize and stop their own behavior. They can also empower victims, giving them the support they need in the face of bullying.
History of Bullying Prevention Month
In 2006, PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center declared the first week of October a time to educate and raise awareness about bullying prevention. Their goal was to change the prevalent view that bullying was just a childhood rite of passage, something every kid had to go through. They pointed out that bullying raises school absentee rates, decreases student performance, and increases physical and mental stress. The center argued that teachers and families needed to work together to create a climate where bullying was not tolerated.
After much success, the event was expanded to the entire month of October starting in 2010. Since then, bullying prevention events during October have included fundraisers, Disney-produced public service announcements, celebrity partnerships, and much more. The month also includes Unity Day, a time to send a visible message that no child should ever have to endure bullying. This year, Unity Day will be held on October 18, 2023.
2023 Bullying Prevention Month Activities and Ideas
Try these methods to reach students, families, and the wider community!
Read an anti-bullying book
Kids at any grade or reading level can learn more about bullying and prevention by reading. Share a picture book during story time, or urge older kids to read a novel with an anti-bullying message and share their thoughts. Find our favorite picks for every age here.
Start a bullying prevention program
If your school doesn’t have an anti-bullying program in place yet, October is the month to start one. We’ve got all the information and tips you need to make it a success right here.
Watch an anti-bullying video
Share these videos during an assembly, followed by in-class conversations about the points they raise. We’ve got a big selection of videos appropriate for kids in grades pre-K through high school here.
Create student upstanders
Look for student leaders who can take active roles in creating a positive and supportive culture at your school. They can help others learn to become upstanders: people who not only avoid bullying others but know when and how to stand up for victims safely. Learn more from Stomp Out Bullying.
Decorate the school with anti-bullying messages
Use our collection of free printable kindness posters, or buy anti-bullying decor on Amazon. Even better, encourage students to create their own posters, banners, and other artwork to send a strong message about your school’s anti-bullying culture. Try holding an anti-bullying poster contest!
Grab the National Bullying Prevention Month student activity kit
PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center has created a whole month-long anti-bullying unit you can use with kids in any grade. This free printable kit includes lesson plans and activity ideas, differentiated for students at all levels. Get the kit here.
Participate in Unity Day
Join the nationwide movement on October 18 to show the world that your school is a place for acceptance, kindness, and inclusion. Encourage all students to wear orange that day, and plan lots of bullying prevention activities for all. Get lots of Unity Day resources and ideas here.
Take an anti-bullying pledge
Encourage all students to sign a declaration like the Kids Against Bullying pledge. Make it meaningful by talking about what it means to be a bully vs. an upstander, and encourage kids to live their pledge daily.
Send home a flyer
Help families get involved with this ready-to-go flyer from the National Bullying Prevention Center. Include it in your school newsletter, post it on your website, or send copies home with students.
Spread the message on social media
Let others know that October is a time to raise awareness of bullying prevention. Post concrete actions people can take to help stop bullying in their schools and communities. Find messages created just for social media feeds at the National Bullying Prevention Center.
How does your school observe Bullying Prevention Month? Come share your ideas and ask for advice in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, read When Teachers Bully One Another.
As an expert in the field of bullying prevention and intervention, I have spent years researching, studying, and actively participating in initiatives aimed at creating safer and more inclusive environments for students. My expertise is grounded in both academic knowledge and practical experience, having worked closely with schools, organizations, and communities to address the pervasive issue of bullying.
The article you provided discusses National Bullying Prevention Month in 2023, highlighting the significance of addressing bullying head-on to prevent such behavior and support victims effectively. Let's break down the concepts used in the article:
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National Bullying Prevention Month 2023:
- Takes place annually in October.
- Commences with the 17th annual World Day of Bullying Prevention on October 2, 2023.
- Unity Day falls on October 18, 2023, emphasizing kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
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Bullying Prevention Month:
- Designated to draw special attention to bullying issues.
- Aims to create an anti-bullying culture year-round.
- Various organizations collaborate to support schools in fostering safer environments.
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Definition of Bullying:
- Bullying is described as a persistent pattern of behavior, emphasizing a power imbalance and intended to harm the victim.
- It goes beyond occasional meanness and involves a repetitive nature.
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Forms of Bullying:
- Includes both in-person and online behavior (cyberbullying).
- Targets may be chosen based on physical appearance, race/ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, or sexual orientation.
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Statistics on Bullying:
- 1 in 5 students reports experiencing bullying behavior in schools.
-
History of Bullying Prevention Month:
- Originated in 2006 by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center.
- Initially, the first week of October was designated, later expanded to the entire month in 2010.
- Aims to change the perception that bullying is a childhood rite of passage.
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Activities and Ideas for 2023 Bullying Prevention Month:
- Read anti-bullying books at different grade levels.
- Start or enhance an anti-bullying program in schools.
- Watch anti-bullying videos and discuss them in class.
- Create student upstanders to promote a positive school culture.
- Decorate the school with anti-bullying messages and posters.
- Utilize the National Bullying Prevention Month student activity kit.
- Participate in Unity Day on October 18.
- Encourage students to take an anti-bullying pledge.
- Distribute flyers to involve families in bullying prevention.
- Utilize social media to spread awareness and concrete actions against bullying.
By addressing these concepts and actively engaging in the suggested activities, schools and communities can contribute significantly to the prevention of bullying and the creation of a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.
