October is National Bullying Prevention Month

From PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center

Spread The Word About National Bullying Prevention Month

Make bullying prevention a movement that touches every community. Share information about the event through website updates; posts on social media channels; articles in newspapers, magazines, and online publications; or just connecting with someone in person.

The time to take action is now! Everyone has a voice in raising awareness of bullying. Whether you are a student, educator, or parent, here are important points to know and emphasize when you speak in front of a group, lead a class discussion, or talk with peers.

Learn more HERE.

Bullying: What Parents Can Do to Protect and Support Their Child

Mean, cruel and/or bullying behavior is a problem in many schools in the United States -- in urban, suburban, and rural areas. And, it can also take place outside of school. Unfortunately, children who have learning disabilities (LD) are especially vulnerable to it.

In support of National Bullying Prevention Month this October, guest expert, Jonathan Cohen, Co-Founder and President of The National School Climate Center (NSCC), will discuss:


Signs that your child may be bullied (or may be bullying others)
Steps parents can take if they suspect their child is being targeted
How parents can work with the school to address the problem
How to help a child cope with verbal, physical, or emotional insults

See transcripts HERE.

Bullying Prevention a Special Concern for Students With Disabilities

Tyler and Teagen Comeau, who have Asperger's syndrome, can recall being bullied a number of times at school or on the bus.

But the 13-year-old twins, who live in Mansfield, Conn., can't always tell someone about it. The way they react is governed by their condition, a form of autism.

The day a bully kicked Tyler in the face, for example, he went to the only adult on the bus, the driver, but was unable to form words. The bus driver told him she was going to write him up for crying, according to this story in the Connecticut Post.

The month of October is bullying prevention month, and some organizations are putting a special emphasis on preventing bullying of students with disabilities.

Read more of Nirvi Shah's On Special Education article HERE.

California School Bullying Prevention Awareness Month

From the California Department of Education NEWS RELEASE

SACRAMENTO -- The California Department of Education (CDE) today issues this week's Education Roundup featuring education-related announcements of public interest.

California School Bullying Prevention Awareness Month

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 22 introduced by Assembly Member Ben Hueso (D-Chula Vista) is proposing that March be California School Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Almost 35 percent of youth in the nation are involved in bullying each year, either as a perpetrator or victim. About 8 percent of pupils in kindergarten through grade 12 miss at least one day of school every month due to a fear of being bullied. Bullying may take many forms, including verbal, physical, and psychological abuse, and can happen in many places on and off school grounds, as well as through electronic means. Students with special needs are especially vulnerable and are at greater risk of experiencing bullying on a daily basis.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Torlakson urges everyone to recognize that, "Bullying is not acceptable behavior, and schools must strive every day to make the environment safe and secure for all students."

The CDE adopted in 2001 a policy on bullying prevention designed to help students, parents, and school staff develop a coordinated, systemic approach to bullying prevention. For more information on bullying prevention, go to Bullying and Hate-Motivated Behavior Prevention - School Environment.

Read the complete NEWS RELEASE HERE.