Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

National Bullying Prevention Month was a campaign founded in 2006 by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. This campaign is held during the month of October and connects communities around the world to help prevent bullying. PACER encourages communities to join together in creating a world that is kinder, more accepting, and more inclusive.

According to PACER, bullying is the aggressive use of power, targeting another person or group of people with repeated, unwanted words or actions, hurting them emotionally or physically. Bullying can cause physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach aches as well as mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Bullying is a common form of violence for youth.

One in five students report they have been bullied. Additionally, 41.3% of students who reported being bullied at school indicated that they think the bullying would happen again.

However, the issue not only affects the youth who are being bullied, but witnesses may also be affected. Witnesses to bullying report feeling less safe, helpless to stop it, and intimidated.

Additionally, youth who bully are at risk for adverse physical or emotional health or issues with the criminal justice system.

In addition to National Bullying Prevention Month, PACER also established Unity Day, October 22, where students, schools, businesses, and community organizations proudly display the color orange in support of hope and solidarity. This message visibly shows that our society believes that no child should ever experience bullying.

Bullying can happen anywhere. This is not solely a school issue. Bullying can happen wherever youth come together such as neighborhoods, youth groups, after school events, athletic competitions, and also online.

Everyone can share their voice to prevent bullying. Whether you’re a student, educator, parent, or community member, our message to others is stronger when we are united by the common idea that bullying is not acceptable.

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