How you can help prevent bullying on National Stop Bullying Day

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- It's National Stop Bullying Day, bringing awareness to incidents at schools across the country.  

This day calls on schools and organizations to bring parents, teachers and students together to help prevent bullying. 

While there are no federal laws that apply to bullying, states have been able to make their own regulations. 

Indiana and Michigan both have policies and laws in place to combat bullying. 

Most bullying takes place at school. Experts say the best way administrators can help prevent bullying in their buildings is to offer resources to students affected by bullying. 

School counselors are also often a go-to resource for youth when they have a problem either inside or outside of the classroom.  

They have a big role in combating bullying since kids sometimes feel more comfortable confiding in their counselor about a negative situation like bullying, rather than a parent. 

Staff should be trained on what bullying is, how to identify it and take action when needed. 

Parents are the ones most likely to notice changes in their child’s behavior that could indicate that bullying is going on. 

Experts say empowering your child and encouraging them to speak up if they see any bullying going on, can go a long way in ridding schools of this negative behavior. 

More statistics, information and resources about bullying prevention and National Stop Bullying Day can be found at the Stop Bullying Government website.