Grado: Bullying Prevention Month is a time to spread compassion and educate our community

Every year, National Bullying Prevention Month serves as a poignant reminder of the prevalent issue of bullying in our society.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines bullying as unwanted aggressive behavior, observed or perceived power imbalance and repetition or high likelihood of repetition of bullying behaviors. With over 160,000 kids per day skipping school for fear of being bullied, it’s not just about raising awareness; it’s a call to action for families, schools and communities to foster an environment where everyone feels heard and valued.

Bullying has many forms — physical, verbal, relational, discriminatory, sexual or cyber and all can leave lasting scars. The impact on mental health is profound, often leading to anxiety, depression, and in severe cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide. It’s a behavior that permeates all age groups and walks of life. 

To combat bullying effectively, we must first understand its roots.

Bullying can stem from a desire to feel popular or powerful at school. Some children bully their peers to establish themselves as leaders. Bullying is also a learned behavior, and children who witness bullying, or have been victims themselves, may become aggressors. They might imitate what they see to fit in with their peers, especially in environments where bullying isn’t properly addressed.

How siblings interact at home can significantly impact a child’s behavior. If siblings bully each other, it can teach children to replicate these behaviors with their peers in the classroom. Many students report being bullied due to physical appearance, race/ethnicity, gender, disability, religion or sexual orientation. Some youth engage in bullying because they don’t understand or accept differences in background, culture or identity.

It’s crucial to create dialogues that dissect these motivations and challenge the behaviors that perpetuate a culture of fear and intimidation.

Education plays a pivotal role in this fight. Schools should implement comprehensive anti-bullying programs that not only address the consequences of bullying but also teach empathy and conflict resolution.

By fostering a culture of kindness, we can equip young people with the tools they need to stand up against bullying, both for themselves and for others. They can be an upstander and support people who are targets for bullying whether you know them or not. Don’t participate (laugh, share, tease, etc.) and tell the person who is showing unkind behavior to stop, inform a trusted adult and get to know people instead of judging them.  

Nine out of 10 tweens use social media or gaming apps and in our digital age, bullying has evolved, taking on new forms that can be even more insidious. Nearly half of teens have experienced cyberbullying, with offensive name-calling being the type most commonly reported.

Cyberbullying can occur 24/7, making it difficult for victims to find solace. This month, we must emphasize the responsibility that social media platforms have in preventing harassment. Creating robust reporting mechanisms and promoting positive online interactions should be a priority for these companies.

While schools and social media platforms play essential roles, the responsibility to combat bullying lies with all of us. Parents should engage in open conversations with their children about the importance of kindness and respect. It’s never too early to model healthy behaviors, create open lines of communication and create a safe and non-judgement environment to share. 

As we commemorate National Bullying Prevention Month, let it serve as more than just a reminder of the prevalence of bullying; let it inspire action. It is our collective duty to build a society where compassion triumphs over cruelty, where understanding replaces ignorance, and where every individual feels safe and supported. 

Here at notMYkid, our goal is to ensure every kid thrives by inspiring positive life choices.  We want to build resilience, inspire hope for the future and grow connection and communication. To learn more, visit www.notmykid.org or call us at 602-652-0163.  

Editor’s note: Sarah Grado is Chief Programs Officer at notMYkid, a Scottsdale-based nonprofit serving youth and their families. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.