This month, the world comes together to raise awareness for bullying prevention and to reflect on where we have been, where we are now, and where we hope to be in the years to come. This year’s Bullying Prevention Awareness Month marks the 10th anniversary of its initiation by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. Since 2006, the event has grown to an entire month of education and awareness activities, and is being recognized by schools and communities throughout the world.
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. So, as the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention, we ask that you take the time this month to become more aware of the serious consequences of bullying and to learn more about what you can do prevent bullying. These efforts are highly important for parents and teachers, but also for youth themselves. This month is about our individual and collective voice, which is why our blogs will feature “Youth Voice” -- personal stories that will be featured throughout the month from groups that are likely to experience bullying. Here are just some of the great efforts in store during the 2016 Bullying Prevention Awareness Month where each week will focus on an important topic:
- October 3rd – 7th: Youth Voice: Stories from Muslim and AAPI Youth
- October 10th – 14th: Youth Voice: Stories from LGBTQ Youth
- National Coming Out Day. On Tuesday, Oct. 11, the Human Rights Campaign is celebrating coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ) or as an ally.
- October 17th – 21st: Youth Voice: Stories from Youth with Disabilities
- Unity Day. On Wednesday, Oct. 19, students, educators, families, TV personalities, and others will wear orange to make it end, hold events, and share stories, photos, and videos on social media. Thousands of people will wear the official 2016 Unity Day t-shirt and schools across the country will display the Unity Day poster
- Twitter Town Hall. On Thursday, Oct. 20 at 3-4pm EST, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will hold a Twitter Town Hall with experts from the Division of Adolescent and School Health and the Division of Violence Prevention to talk about bullying among youth. More information to come.
- October 24th – 28th: Youth Voice: Stories from Tribal Youth
- October 31st: Recap and call to action
- Bullying Prevention Training Center. This revamped section of the website provides a one-stop-shop for training materials for educators and community leaders. Visit our Training Center and get free continuing education!
October is a great time to help raise awareness for this important issue, but we know you're working hard all year to do what you can to prevent bullying. Share your story on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram tell us what you're doing to prevent bullying in your community using the hashtag: #StopBullying365.