Every October, we observe National Bullying Prevention Month, a dedicated time to raise awareness, spur action, and renew our collective commitment to protecting children from bullying and abuse. Advocate for the Innocent is taking the opportunity to spotlight the realities of bullying, reinforce prevention strategies, and invite our supporters, communities and partners to join hands for change.1
Throughout the month… schools, community organizations, and advocacy groups host events, share resources, tell survivor stories, and promote bystander intervention to build safer, kinder environments. It’s vital to ground our advocacy in evidence. Here are some recent and relevant statistics that underscore the urgency of anti-bullying work (especially in connection with our broader mission of child protection and abuse prevention). In the 2021–2022 school year:1
- 19.2% of U.S. middle and high school students reported being bullied at school
- 21.6% of students report experiencing online bullying (cyberbullying)
- Among students who reported being bullied, only 44.2% said they told an adult
- Those experiencing bullying are at elevated risk for mental health challenges such as
- depression, anxiety, sleep problems, lower academic engagement and suicidal ideation
To move beyond awareness and into impact, we must support approaches that research shows are effective. Some evidence-based and promising practices include:1
- Programs that train staff, students, and caregivers to monitor bullying and promote prevention
- In about 57% of bullying incidents, bullying stops when a peer intervenes
- Teaching empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation helps reduces aggressive behavior
- Equipping adults with tools to spot signs of bullying and initiate honest conversations is critical
- Teaching kids safe online behavior, media literacy, reporting tools and boundaries is essential
This October, we invite you – our supporters, educators, parents, community leaders, and concerned citizens – to take action with us. Here are ways you can help turn awareness into change:1
- Raise Your Voice & Visibility: Wear orange on Unity Day and share on social media
- Educate & Train: Offer bullying prevention training and share toolkits and resource guides
- Support Youth: Provide safe spaces for youth to talk about their experiences and social challenges
- Be an Everyday Advocate: Regularly check in with children about their school, friendships, and online experiences – create opportunities for open, judgment-free dialogue
Bullying is not a “normal part of growing up” – it is a preventable harm that no child should endure. October’s designation reminds us that awareness alone is not enough; it must spark action.1 If you are interested in becoming an Advocate for the Innocent member and gaining access to our Resource Center ($10/month or $99/annually), visit https://advocatefortheinnocent.org/memberships/.