HISTORY OF NATIONAL STOP BULLYING DAY
Though there have always been bullies, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the issue began to be researched. Dr. Dan Olweus, a Norweigan psychologist, spearheaded efforts to better understand and prevent bullying. In 1983, in response to the tragic suicide of three boys who were being bullied, Dr. Olweus developed a bullying prevention program that helped to inform American anti-bullying efforts in the 1990s.
In 1999, after the school shooting at Columbine, anti-bullying programs sprung up in and around schools. The tragic event seemed to give way to the movement, which focused on fixing the environment around victims – no longer putting the weight of the burden on the victim. To combat bullying, anti-bullying laws and policies were introduced, and teachers focused on empowering bystanders, policing classrooms and hallways, and punishing and reforming the bullies.
Georgia and California were two of the states that were quickest to adopt anti-bullying legislation. For California, this came in 2008 and focused specifically on eliminating the emerging threat of cyberbullying. This followed the Federal law that stated it was illegal to abuse and harass others online – while not explicitly naming cyberbullying, it went a long way towards prevention of the act.
In addition to legislation, organizations and foundations to prevent and eradicate bullying have significantly helped combat the issue. Examples include the National Bullying Prevention Center, launched by the group PACER in 2006, and the STOMP Program in 2005, which is dedicated to eradicating cyberbullying, racism, and homophobia. Started by two college women in 2009, The Kind Campaign aims to stop bullying between girls. Today, bullying is a nationally-recognized issue, and there are many resources for parents, teachers, victims of bullying, and bystanders to help stomp out the problem.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL STOP BULLYING DAY
Post #StopBullyingDay
After you’ve learned about the types and dangers of bullying, share with your social circle. Increased awareness and prevention is the best way to improve the lives of those who quietly suffer. Posting your support of their struggle helps as well!Tell an adult when you see bullying
One of the most effective ways to stomp out bullying is being an involved bystander. Often, the person being bullied feels powerless to tell an adult about the situation - that’s where a bystander comes in. Telling an adult when you see bullying is doing what’s right.Attend an anti-bullying event
Many schools and community organizations hold anti-bullying events to raise awareness and help prevent bullying situations. These could be anything from a fun run to an assembly with a guest speaker. Attend one near you to learn more about bullying, pledge to never be a bully, and pick up tips on how to stomp out bullying!
5 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT BULLYING
1 in 5 students have been bullied
Of schoolchildren between 12 and 18, 1 in 5 reported being bullied in school.It heavily affects 6th graders
The grade in which children more commonly report bullying is 6th grade - 31%.Bullying is less likely to be reported in high school
Less than 40% of high schoolers told an adult about incidences of bullying at any time.It has caused kids to skip school
According to one shocking statistic, around 160,000 teens have skipped school due to bullying.Bystanders absolutely can end bullying
When a peer bystander intervenes, the bullying situation ends in over half of the cases.
Thank you to nationaltoday.com for the information to stop bullying.
