Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

October is “National Bullying Prevention Month” which unites communities in promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion to prevent childhood bullying. PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center created this nationwide campaign in 2006 to spread awareness on the issue of bullying and its negative effects on children.

According to the Center for Disease Control, students who are bullied are more likely to experience low self-esteem and isolation, perform poorly in school, have few friends in school, and have a negative view of school.

They may also experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches or problems sleeping.

They are also more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety.

Witnesses of bullying are also affected as they are more likely to use tobacco, alcohol or other drugs, have increased mental health problems, and are more likely to skip school.

Bullying Prevention Month is an opportunity to:

• Encourage the nation to take action at the local level to create safe and supportive schools

• Offer information and education about how everyone can prevent bullying

• Provide a platform to hold school and community events

• Share information about the issue through news media, social media, videos, and print publications

• Speak with education and public policy leaders about their roles in bullying prevention

• Promote dialogue between educators, parents, and students on their roles in addressing and preventing bullying

• Invite organizations to share information about their bullying prevention resources

• Inspire everyone to unite for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion

In addition to Bullying Prevention Month, Unity Day is also celebrated on October 16.

It serves as a day when we can come together to send a visible message of building community through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion by wearing orange.

Everyone’s action matters. We all have a role to play in bullying prevention.

It is important for adults to know how to respond, to be there for victims of bullying, to hold those who bully accountable, and to support and educate youth on how to advocate for themselves and others. Let us do our part to help create a world without bullying.

If you are a victim of a crime or would like more information regarding bullying, please contact Hands of Hope Resource Center at 320-732-2319.

Cassandra Ortiz

General Crime and Child Abuse Services Coordinator

Hands of Hope Resource Center

Todd County