October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month and it’s a good time for schools (including personnel and students), communities, districts, and states to take stock of current efforts to reduce and prevent bullying. Do current school climates make students feel safe, allowing them to thrive academically and socially? Are youth comfortable speaking up if they are being bullied? Are members of the community engaged and are the media aware of best practices when it comes to reporting bullying stories?
In recognition of the efforts to improve school climate and reduce rates of bullying nationwide, the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention (FPBP) are proud to release a variety of resources aimed at informing youth, those who work with youth, members of the media, parents, and schools. These resources and more maybe found at Stopbullying.gov.
Here are several of the exciting efforts being highlighted this month:
- #StopBullying365 – All month long, the FPBP will be using the hashtag #StopBullying365 to collect stories of how individuals and communities are taking action in bullying prevention. Join StopBullying.gov on Facebook and Twitter to learn more.
- The FPBP are pleased to announce the start of a year-long relationship with NASA’s Scott Kelly, who will make bullying prevention a priority during his time in space. Watch Astronaut Kelly’s video.
- KnowBullying. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) new mobile app provides parents, caretakers, and teachers with important bullying prevention information, and can help get the conversation started between parents/caregivers and children about bullying in as little as 15 minutes a day.
- Bullying, Harassment, & Civil Rights: An Overview of School Districts’ Federal Obligation to Respond to Harassment. This video, developed collaboratively by ED, DOJ, and SAMHSA, of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, outlines school districts’ federal obligations to respond to harassment.
- Increasing Capacity for Reducing Bullying and Its Impact on the Lifecourse of Youth Involved. This report summarizes findings from the Institute of Medicine Workshop held in April, 2014, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration. More than 20 presenters shared research on how families, schools and communities can take effective action to stop bullying and reduce its harmful effects.
- Internet Safety Two-Part Webinar Series – On October 30, 2014 from 2-3pm EDT, the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention National Training and Technical Assistance Center will host the first of a two-part webinar series. This series is a collaborative effort by DOJ, the U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Agriculture, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The first webinar will focus on internet safety and cyberbullying. The second webinar will occur in mid-November and focus on sexting and sextortion. Stay tuned to StopBullying.gov for more information!
- Media Guidelines for Bullying Prevention. Media coverage of social issues has a big impact on how communities understand and address problems. Research and expert opinion suggest that certain trends in media coverage of bullying have the potential to do harm. This guidance offers help to journalists, bloggers, the entertainment creative community, and others who are developing content about bullying to engage in responsible reporting on this important topic.
With all of these new resources and attention, it’s a great time to consider how you can help raise awareness about bullying and take action to stop it. Teens can find inspiration by visiting our Tumblr site. Tell us what you are going to do by engaging on Facebook and Twitter using #StopBullying365.