October is Bullying Prevention and LGBTQ+ History Month
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Hello Condor Community,
October is National Bullying Prevention Month and LGBTQ History Month – a time to raise awareness about the devastating impact of bullying and the importance of creating safe, supportive environments for all students. Bullying is defined as, “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.” (StopBullying.gov, Oct 2024).
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 1 out of every 5 students report being bullied. 41.3% of students who reported being bullied at school indicated that they think the bullying would happen again. During the past year among high school students, LGBTQ+ students were more likely than cisgender and heterosexual students to be bullied at school (29% vs 16%). (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024)
By acknowledging bullying and working together, we can shed light on the issue and foster a culture of kindness and respect in our school. This month we encourage Condor students and the community to be a buddy, not a bully. Please explore the resources below for more information on how you can play a part in preventing bullying in our community and supporting our LGBTQ+ youth. If you or someone you know is being bullied, tell a trusted adult to get help right away.
Mental and Physical Effects of Bullying
Mental and Physical Effects of Bullying
Students who experience bullying are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, and poor school adjustment. Center for Disease Control, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (2017)
Students who bully others are at increased risk for substance use, academic problems, and violence later in adolescence and adulthood. Center for Disease Control, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (2017)
Compared to students who only bully, or who are only victims, students who do both suffer the most serious consequences and are at greater risk for both mental health and behavior problems. Center for Disease Control, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (2017)
How to Support
Action Steps for Students
Action Steps for Students
Promote kindness, acceptance and inclusion
Connect with people during break/lunch, include people in activities, or reach out with encouraging texts
Advocacy Skills
Speak up for yourself and others that may be experiencing bullying. Visit the Pacer Center's Teens Against Bullying Website to learn more.
Get Support
Connect with a supportive adult who can help (school counselor, wellness support, campus supervisor, teacher, or administrator)
Resources
Action Steps for Adults
Action Steps for Adults
When a child is being bullied...
Be supportive and listen without judgement.
Let them know you are there for them and want to help..
Discuss their ideas on how they want to handle the situation
Make a plan for next steps (Identify other who may be able to help e.g. teacher/counselor)
When a child witnesses bullying...
Reassure them that telling an adult is a postive first step and share that they can make a positive impact on others.
Work together to make a plan that they are comfortable with using to respond to bullying incidents in the future
Reinforce that they should never participate in or support bullying
Encourage them to be supportive and kind to the student being bullied
When a child is doing the bullying...
Know that bullying is a behavior and behavior can be changed
Recognize that children bully for many different reasons. Have a calm conversation to explore the reasons for their behavior
Help them understand how their behavior affects others. Make your expectations of appropriate behavior clear and consistent
Let them know bullying is not okay under any circumstances. Provide appropriate and meaningful consequences that fit the situation.
Help them think through how they can handle situations more positively. Give positive feedback for good choices
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