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Most of us would like to think that our elderly parents and grandparents are made of sterner stuff and that they’re immune to bullying or intimidation. However, bullying can occur at any age, and it’s important to recognize that just like our kids, our elderly loved ones can become victims of people who want to make them feel humiliated and powerless. According to data from AARP, about 10 to 20 percent of older adults are bullied, and more than 15 percent of adults who are 65 years and older experience physical or psychological abuse on a daily basis.

For Irann Orozco, fighting isn’t just a sport—it’s survival, healing, and growth. Today, Orozco is a rising star in amateur MMA and Pan Am Games champion and world bronze medalist representing the U.S. National MMA Team. But her journey to the podium began in pain. Her parents sent Irann to a military school as a 13-year-old, hoping the structure would help her stay on track. Instead, she found herself the target of relentless bullying…

Being chronically online has left many kids and teenagers vulnerable to doxing, which is a form of cyberbullying that involves posting or revealing a person’s private information online to incite further harassment. According to recent research, over one in 10 high school students have engaged in doxing. The study also shows that girls are more likely to engage in social doxing, while boys are more likely to conduct hostile doxing to humiliate or scare their victims. 

Artificial Intelligence is changing our world for the better as it’s now being used to advance transportation, assist researchers to develop cures for illnesses, and provide scientists with relevant data to make important discoveries. However, many consider AI to be a double-edged sword. Though it comes with multiple benefits, there’s also the fact that it has the potential to harm mankind. Most people fear that AI is not only causing a decline in human skill development, but it’s also being used to spread false or malicious information to tarnish a person’s reputation.

Exciting news — “Stand Up & Speak Out!”, the anti-bullying musical created by Emmy-nominated composer, Jill Nesi, is set for an extended run. After its successful debut last October, the musical will return to once again delight audiences at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Connecticut — as has been recently hinted on the musical’s official Instagram account. “Stand Up & Speak Out!” tells a “full-circle” story of bullying from multiple perspectives, including the person bullied and the bully.

Most people would agree that everyone deserves a second chance, but what happens when someone has a criminal past? For the 70 million US adults with a criminal record, leaving their past behind and moving on with their lives can be an enormous challenge, particularly when it comes to employment. While workplace bullying can affect anyone, unfair assumptions and outdated stereotypes often mean that people with criminal records endure discrimination and harassment.

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.

Bullying is a pervasive issue that can negatively impact students’ mental health, academic success, and overall well-being. As high school teachers, you play a vital role in identifying and addressing bullying in your classrooms and schools. With proactive strategies, you can create a safer and more inclusive environment for all students. Below are practical, evidence-based approaches to bullying prevention tailored to your role.