October is a time for pumpkins, scares, and dress-up. Lots of children flood the streets on Halloween night, searching for sweet treats. But October is also the National Bullying Prevention Month, a month to speak out against and raise awareness about bullying.
This month, schools across the country promote kindness and acceptance from other peers. Taking a stand against bullying and encouraging inclusion among other students at school. Often, people wear orange to show unity with one another and to stand out in crowds. This is called Unity Day and takes place on Oct. 22.
Kids have reported bullying not only on the school campus, but also online by other peers. At school, it is a time to learn and to socialize with others. However, many students don’t even come because of teasing, fights, or feeling unsafe. Many students have reported harassment online through direct messaging on social media platforms, while most can recall names they’ve been called out at lunch.
Bullying isn’t just shouting names and threatening other students. It can include posting embarrassing photos on social media with the intent to make fun of them. It can be excluding a friend, or laughing behind their back. A bully can be a friend, classmate, or even a teacher.
At Eleanor Roosevelt High School, the staff and students are preparing for this month, including an upcoming spirit week, Oct. 6- Oct. 10. Students have also expressed their ideas on bullying and how to take a stand against it.
A junior at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Abdurrahman Alayleh, shared how he’ll take a stand against bullying.
“See something, say something,” said Alayeh. “At this school, I don’t see a lot of bullying, but I’m sure it happens.”
At ERHS, bullying is taken seriously, and the staff aims to shut down any harm that could be caused by any person. Of course, it will still happen as new students still try to adjust to school or people attempt to fit in and gain acceptance from others. But that doesn’t stop the school staff from trying.
A sophomore at ERHS, Ellie Guerrero, spoke out at lunch about the school’s spirit week, and what to do when you witness bullying.
“I’m going to wear orange, and I’m going to show that bullying isn’t okay,” Guerrero said. “Stand up when you see it, don’t just be a bystander.”
Located across the Main Campus and STEM Campus, counselors are there to help. Student’s can go to their assigned counselor for any issues, including bullying and harassment. They can also go to Ms. Gonzalez and Mr. Sanchez, the campus intervention counselors. All counselors do an outstanding job at listening and assisting in anyway to help stop bullying.
