Classroom

The New Year is a chance for schools and communities to be inspired to make changes. If there’s one thing we all agree, it needs more kindness. Stand for the Silent is one organization on a mission to help schools nationwide embrace kindness and create an atmosphere that embodies it going forward. They are not only inspiring them to do it, but they are also providing them with the tools, motivation, and insight to help make it happen.

Prom is a rite of passage for teenagers, and for many people, this semi-formal school event brings back memories of dressing up in fancy clothes and having a good time with friends. While most teens have a good time during prom season, there are others who only have bad memories about it because of the bullying that they experienced on what should have been a happy occasion. Some think that bullying at school dances only happens in the movies, but many teens are harassed, cruelly pranked, or even physically assaulted in real-life proms.

With families gearing up for holiday break that will lead into the New Year, bullying may be the last thing on their minds. They may assume the risks of bullying will decline during this time, giving them a much-needed break from the issue. However, the research shows that isn’t the case, as many kids are bullied when school is on break, making it a great time to focus on what can be done to help prevent and address the situation now, during break and into the New Year when school resumes.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, making it an ideal time to examine some of the crucial factors surrounding this hot-button issue. Bullying touches families from coast to coast and in all demographic areas. The more we can shed light on it and learn to understand it, the better equipped we will be as a nation to help prevent it from happening.

Many parents are already considering what they need to do to prepare their children for the new school year that is just around the corner. While what they will wear and do after school is essential, ensuring they know what to do about back-to-school bullies should be at the top of every parent’s priority list. Bullies will head back to school as well, and they will be ready to start picking on kids from day one.

Young people who change schools are more likely to experience most types of bullying than other kids, as found in the comprehensive report, Characteristics of Bullying Victims in Schools. They are also more likely to be continuing victims across various years of study and have a higher risk of being victims of bullying at a new school if they have not previously been bullied. Those who have been at the receiving end of bullying are more likely to escape this plight if they change schools.

64% of young adults report being bullied by a teacher at least once over the course of their lifetime, while 93% of high school and college students identified at least one teacher as a bully in their school. These statistics highlight a scary reality that many students face — while most teachers have good intentions in making a positive impact in their students’ lives, it’s imperative to realize that bullying can come from an adult in the classroom. 

The mental health of students is a topic not often discussed or addressed in the school setting, particularly when related to bullying, and can be detrimental to the students’ overall experience.

Does your child’s school allow cellphones? You may be surprised that policies can vary even within districts and that those policies may contradict your own rules for cellphone use during school.