October is world bullying prevention month. In 2019, 20 percent of kids ages 12 to 17 reported being bullied at school. We see it all the time, both in-person and online. As technology and socialization progress and develop, there are more ways than ever to bully and be bullied.

 

The more we talk about bullying and how to stop it, the more the culture around bullying will change.

 

For this week’s Wellness Wednesday, Lauren English, a licensed professional counselor and business development representative with Pinnacle Pointe Hospital, gives us some tips on how to recognize, confront and prevent bullying. 

 

At school, teachers, parents, administrators and students need to be aware of anti-bullying policies and how to follow through with them. Everyone needs to do their part to create a supportive environment where bullying is not tolerated. 

 

Parents are the best teachers — at home, parents should teach their children through actions, talk to them about what they’re experiencing at school, and help them learn important steps to recognize, report and even prevent bullying.

 

If you’re being bullied, it’s crucial to reach out and let someone know, so that someone can help you. Too many people go without reporting being bullied, and the consequences are often devastating. If the bullying is online, you can take screenshots and block the person. If someone else is being bullied, stand in solidarity with them.

 

The more we are able to emphasize that bullying is wrong and the more opposed to it we declare ourselves to be, the less likely bullying is to occur. The more we can change the culture, the better off we’ll be.

 

 

READ MORE: Wellness Wednesday: World Mental Health Day