National Bullying Prevention Month

National Bullying Prevention Month – Did you know that more than 160,000 students in the USA stay home each day because they’re scared of being bullied?

This October PACER (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) draws attention to the problem of bullying that affects many disabled children and young adults.  By drawing attention the organisation hopes to raise awareness to the fact that more needs to be done to tackle the issue.

So far PACER has been involved in over thirty projects and workshops that focus on making life better for the disabled and their families.   And how do they do this?   By helping parents to be involved with their children’s education.

Some people say that it’s normal to be bullied – or that it’s something you have to go through as part of being a teen.   Don’t listen!  It’s definitely not normal and having to go through it can be very hurtful.

It can also have a huge impact on a child’s ability to absorb what they’re being taught – as the fear overrides the real aim of being at school, which is of course to get an education!   Students find their self-esteem battered and even experience physical symptoms like stomach aches, headaches and depression.

Jade, 13, has been through it and has found bullying has had a lasting negative impact on her life.  She wants to make a change: first school, then the world!

And you can help her.  This October you could become a champion!   If you are a non-profit organisation, part of a group in your community or working in a school you have the opportunity to make a real difference. To draw inspiration from past activities that have taken place, visit the National Bullying Prevention Center and find out how you could become a champion for National Bullying Prevention Month.

Don’t forget to wear orange on Unity Day which takes place on October 24.  That’s the day we all stand together to show we care about the prevention of bullying.

You could also hand out news bulletins, audio files and plan creative activities that will get everyone involved and engaged with this serious issue.

For more information about National Bullying Prevention Month visit the website.