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July 20, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bailey Lindgren ([email protected])
952-838-9000, National toll-free (888) 248-0822

Schools, students and families can take action now and during PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Month

Minneapolis: Back to school is an exciting time for many children and teens, but for the 13 million American students who are bullied each year, the beginning of the school year can also be a time of stress and anxiety. Students, educators, and families can take action now in preparation for the school year and for PACER’S National Bullying Prevention Month in October. The month, which was launched by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center in 2006, helps schools and communities nationwide raise awareness and take action to prevent bullying.

“Bullying can lead to school avoidance, decreased self-esteem, depression, and even self-harm,” said Julie Hertzog, director of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center in Minneapolis, Minn. “It’s important for schools to be proactive in preventing bullying, and National Bullying Prevention Month in October is well-timed to spread the message that every student deserves to feel safe at school, in the community and online, and there are people who care.”

Actions to Take Now

PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center offers innovative resources that students, parents, and teachers can use all year long to prevent bullying, including:

  • PACER.org/Bullying: This is the portal page for parents and educators to access an array of bullying resources, including educational toolkits, awareness toolkits, contest ideas, promotional products, and more.
  • PACERTeensAgainstBullying: Created by and for teens, this website is a place for middle and high school students to find ways to address bullying, to take action, to be heard, and to own an important social cause.
  • PACERKidsAgainstBullying: A creative, innovative and educational website designed for elementary school students to learn about bullying prevention, engage in activities, and be inspired to take action.
  • Educator toolkits and activities: Free, downloadable toolkits designed for students, educators, and community members to hold events, raise awareness, and share information about bullying prevention.

Actions to take in October

During National Bullying Prevention Month, schools and communities can plan events and activities to unite, educate, and raise awareness about bullying prevention.

  • Unity Day: Everyone is invited to come together—in schools, communities, and online—by wearing orange on Unity Day, Wednesday, Oct. 21 to send a message of support, hope, and unity.
  • Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying events: Communities nationwide can hold a Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying event in October as a kick-off to National Bullying Prevention Month.
  • Community events: Children, teens, adults, schools, and communities across the country are encouraged to hold special events and to speak out in their communities in October to show they care about this important issue.

“When schools take measures at the beginning of the year to prevent bullying, all students are positioned for success,” said Paula Goldberg, PACER’s executive director. “Together, we can create kinder, more accepting, and inclusive communities.”

About PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center: Founded in 2006, PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center actively leads social change, so that bullying is no longer considered an accepted childhood rite of passage. PACER provides innovative resources for students, parents, educators, and others, and recognizes bullying as a serious community issue that impacts education, physical and emotional health, and the safety and well-being of students. PACER offers tools to address bullying in schools, the community, and online. For more information, visit PACER.org/bullying or call (952) 838-9000 or (888) 248-0822 (national toll free).  

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Visit PACER's other sites: Teens Against Bullying | Kids Against Bullying

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