NATIONAL STOP BULLYING DAY
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NATIONAL STOP BULLYING DAY
National Stop Bullying Day on the second Wednesday in October brings together students, faculty, and parents to end bullying. This annual awareness day promotes standing up against and put an end to bullying.
#StopBullyingDay
No child should be afraid to ride a bus or go to school because a classmate threatens them. Children who have been bullied should also feel they can report the incident without repercussions. However, many times it goes unreported because of fear and embarrassment. We need to normalize what bullying is and how we can help prevent it from happening.
4 Types of Bullying
Bullying comes in many forms. It occurs repeatedly and is a way for the perpetrator to show their power. Whether the bullying is verbal, physical, relational, or cyberbullying, the results are detrimental.
Verbal bullying involves spoken words. The person may threaten or call names. They may use disrespectful language toward family, friends, or specifically aimed at their target.
Physical bullying is aggression in the form of hitting, kicking, pushing, or any unwanted touch.
Relational bullying involves purposely excluding someone from activities, groups, or events through social tactics.
Cyberbullying includes using social media, texts, and the internet to spread rumors, lies, or mean messages about a person.
Be aware of the warning signs that a child may be experiencing bullying, such as withdrawal from activities, unexplained injuries, declining grades, or sudden loss of friends. Reputable sources like StopBullying.gov and PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center are excellent resources.
Encourage students to participate in activities outside the home, too. Teach children the appropriate use of the internet, social media, and text. While having daily discussions with family members about their day, share information on setting boundaries. Teach them the behavior you expect them to display, how to treat others, and provide a role model of the same.
Seeing bullying and doing nothing empowers the bully. An upstander takes safe, positive action. Don't join in: Refuse to laugh or provide an audience. Stand with the person being bullied by helping them walk away, or simply ask, "Are you okay?" This small act can make a huge difference. Alert a trusted adult like a teacher, principal, coach, or parent. Reassure those who have been bullied that their voice matters and support them in the reporting process. Help them build confidence outside of that negative situation.
The U.S. Department of Human Services set up a hotline that's available 24/7 to receive assistance stopping bullying. Call 1-800-273-8255.
In the U.S., the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Also, in the U.S., the Suicide National Hopeline is 1-800-784-2433. Spanish is 1-888-628-9454.
7 WAYS TO SUPPORT STOP BULLYING DAY
National Stop Bullying Day is more than just an awareness campaign; it's a call to action. Bullying affects millions of people and has lasting consequences, but every person has the power to make a difference. Here are detailed ways you can help create safer, more inclusive environments in your community.
Launch a proactive event beyond a simple assembly. Partner with school counselors, administrators, and the PTA to organize meaningful activities. Focus on topics like empathy, conflict resolution, and digital citizenship. Invite guest speakers who can share personal stories or expert advice.
Create a "Unity Wall" at school where students and staff can post anonymous notes of kindness, encouragement, and support for one another.
Encourage students to creatively express what kindness and respect mean to them. Showcase the entries in the hallways or on the school's social media.
Promote "Unity Day" at work and school by organizing a day where everyone is encouraged to wear that olor to present a united, visible front against bullying.
Establish a safe space to ensure there are clear, safe avenues for students to seek help. Promote the school counselor's office as a judgment-free zone, establishing a peer mediation program, or creating an anonymous reporting system for bullying incidents.
Share resources from anti-bullying organizations.
Use the hashtag #StopBullyingDay to join the national conversation and show your solidarity. Amplify the voices of advocates and share inspiring stories of resilience and kindness.
NATIONAL STOP BULLYING DAY HISTORY
In 2009, eighteen sixth grade students from St. Stanislaus Kostka declared October National Stop Bullying Month, the second week of October National Stop Bullying Week, and Stop Bullying Day on the second Wednesday of October.
DATES:
8 October 2025
14 October 2026
13 October 2027
11 October 2028
10 October 2029
9 October 2030
10 October 2031