LAWRENCE CO. – October marks National Bullying Prevention Month, and local law enforcement and school officials are issuing a united call to action, emphasizing that bullying is a serious community issue that will not be tolerated.
Bullying is Not ‘Just Kids Being Kids’
Authorities stress that bullying is not simply a harmless part of childhood but a harmful behavior with profound and lasting impacts. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly one in five students (19.2%) aged 12-18 reported being bullied nationwide during the 2021-2022 school year. Students who are bullied face an increased risk of issues like depression, anxiety, and decreased academic success, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Bullying is not just ‘kids being kids,’ according to the National Center for Education. It is harmful and should not be ignored.
Call to Action: Speak Up, Reach Out
To effectively combat this behavior, a direct appeal is being made to all community members:
- Parents: You are urged to talk to your children about bullying—both as potential victims, bystanders, or even perpetrators. Creating open dialogue at home is a vital first step in prevention.
- Students: If you see it, speak up. Being an “upstander” instead of a bystander is crucial to stopping bullying in its tracks.
- Victims: You are not alone. The school resource officers are on campus specifically to back you up and provide immediate support.
Local law enforcement takes bullying seriously and is committed to maintaining a zero-tolerance approach when appropriate. Respect and accountability are key elements of the strategy, as officers continue to work closely with schools and families.
School Resource Officers are dedicated to ensuring every child feels safe. They will continue partnering with educational institutions to enforce policy and provide support to ensure a secure environment for all students.
The community is encouraged to use this month to learn more about recognizing the signs of bullying—which can be verbal, physical, social, or cyber-based—and to commit to promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion year-round.
