Bullying Prevention Month: Why It Matters More Than Ever

October marks National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and take action against a problem that touches nearly every school and community. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, about one in five students ages 12–18 report being bullied at school. Online, the numbers are just as concerning—15% of high schoolers say they’ve been cyberbullied in the past year (CDC, 2021).

Bullying Leaves Lasting Scars

Bullying isn’t “just a phase.” Research shows that both victims and those who bully others can face long-term consequences. The CDC notes that victims of bullying are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and poor academic outcomes. On the flip side, children who bully are at higher risk of engaging in substance use, dropping out of school, and even developing antisocial behaviors later in life. In short, bullying affects everyone involved, not just in the moment but for years to come.

The Mental Health Perspective

From a mental health standpoint, bullying erodes a student’s sense of safety and belonging. Kids who don’t feel safe at school struggle to learn and thrive. Teachers and parents often see the signs—withdrawal, stomachaches, declining grades—but the root cause can sometimes be hidden. That’s why prevention and education are so important.

One effective approach is teaching digital literacy and empathy hand-in-hand. Programs like Cyber Civics give students practical tools to navigate online interactions, recognize misinformation, and build respectful communities. By empowering kids with media literacy and social-emotional skills, we reduce the conditions that allow bullying—especially cyberbullying—to thrive.

What You Can Do This Month

• Start a conversation: Ask your child what bullying looks like at their school.

• Model empathy: Share your own stories of kindness and resilience.

• Connect with resources: Explore PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center for activities, pledges, and ways to get involved.

• Bring digital literacy into classrooms: Consider integrating Cyber Civics or similar programs to give students the critical thinking tools they need.

A Message of Hope

Bullying prevention isn’t about one campaign or one month, it’s about building a culture of kindness, inclusion, and respect year-round. This October, let’s remind students that their voices matter, their feelings matter, and together we can make schools safer places to grow and learn.

About the Author

Connor joined the Cyber Civics team in 2023 with experience in both social work and marketing. In 2020 he earned his LMSW in Texas where he worked as a therapist in a private practice. He made the switch from direct practice to marketing and worked with therapists to help market the profession and practice. Connor now works for Cyber Civics and Cyberwise. After earning his Bachelors in English, Political Science and Counseling from the University of North Texas, he went on to receive his Masters in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. Continuing his studies, he earned a certificate in Digital Marketing from the University of Texas in 2022. He resides in Houston, TX with his fiancee and dog Leia. Connor feels that his role at Cyberwise and Cybercivics is the perfect place to make the much needed changes that help promote the mission of increasing digital literacy and online safety.