This month, groups across the country committed to stop bullying will release new resources, campaigns, and efforts aimed at bringing awareness to this important issue facing our youth. This month serves as a reminder that bullying prevention must be addressed, and one way to accomplish this is through educating ourselves, our communities and the youth in our lives.
In the spirit of lifelong learning on this issue, the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention are launching several initiatives and resources this month through StopBullying.gov. These efforts are highly important for reaching out not only to parents, teachers, and the youth themselves, but also to the media who play an important role in telling the stories we hear about bullying.
Here are just some of the great efforts in store during Bullying Prevention Awareness Month.
- 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.
- Youth Engagement Event. Across the country, youth are encouraged to talk about bullying by organizing bullying prevention social and educational events through youth organizations in their communities. Youth can report back on these activities through our Tumblr page. For more information, visit StopBullying.gov.
- Conversation Starters Mobile App. Later this month, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will release an app for parents to help start conversations with their kids about bullying.
- Bullying Prevention Training Center. This revamped section of the website provides a one-stop-shop for training materials for educators and community leaders. These new materials will be available in late October in our Training Center on StopBullying.gov.
- Dear Colleague Letter. The Department of Education has issued guidance in the form of a Dear Colleague letter that provides an overview of school districts’ responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to address bullying of students with disabilities.
Keep up to date on the latest bullying prevention resources and tools and sign up for e-mail updates from StopBullying.gov.
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. Tell us what you are going to do by engaging on Facebook and Twitter.