October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and I want to take a moment to reflect on the impact bullying has on individuals, especially children and teens. In my work as a mental health professional, I’ve seen how bullying can leave deep emotional scars. It’s not just about the hurt someone feels in the moment, but the long-term effects that can follow them throughout their lives—anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and sometimes, trauma that takes years to heal.
Bullying comes in many forms: physical, verbal, emotional, and, in our increasingly connected world, cyberbullying. With technology, bullying doesn’t end when the school bell rings. Kids can face harassment online—on social media, through text messages, or even in group chats—which makes it harder to escape. These online spaces should be places where children can connect and explore safely, but instead, they can sometimes turn into toxic environments. It’s on all of us to recognize these realities and take action.
As adults, we need to play an active role in preventing bullying. It starts with awareness, but more importantly, with setting an example. Kids learn a lot from the behavior they see around them, and when we show respect and kindness in our own interactions, they pick up on that. We can’t expect kids to be kind to one another if we don’t model it ourselves. This includes addressing bullying when we see it—whether it’s in our homes, workplaces, or communities. Standing up to hurtful behavior should be a value we all share.
Parents, your role is so important in this fight against bullying. One of the most effective ways to help your child is to maintain open communication. Make sure your children know they can talk to you about anything, including difficult topics like bullying. Check in with them regularly about their relationships at school and online. If your child tells you they’re being bullied, listen carefully and without judgment. It’s often a very hard conversation for kids to have, and they need to feel supported, not criticized. Partner with their school or teachers to make sure steps are taken to address the issue.
For educators, National Bullying Prevention Month is a great reminder of the significant impact you can have on students’ lives. Schools need to be safe spaces where every student feels valued and protected. Encourage conversations about respect, kindness, and inclusion in your classrooms. Help students understand the importance of standing up for others and reporting bullying when they see it. Make sure students know that they will be heard and supported if they come forward. An anti-bullying policy is only effective if students trust that it will be enforced fairly and consistently.
It’s also important to acknowledge that bullying doesn’t just happen in schools—it continues into adulthood, often in workplaces or online spaces. Whether it’s workplace harassment or online trolling, bullying can be just as damaging to adults as it is to children. We need to call out this behavior and foster environments of respect and inclusivity wherever we are. By holding ourselves and others accountable, we contribute to a culture where bullying is not tolerated, and everyone feels safe to be themselves.
This month is a chance for all of us to take a stand. Let’s use this time to teach, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations about bullying. Whether it’s helping a child navigate social challenges, standing up for a colleague at work, or creating supportive online spaces, we all have a part to play.
Let’s commit to creating a world where bullying is no longer part of the narrative. Where respect, kindness, and empathy are the norms, not the exceptions. Together, we can build a future where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered.
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