October is National Bullying Prevention Month created by PACER in 2006 to encourage everyone to take an active role in the bullying prevention movement. During this month, communities are urged to address the problem of bullying through media campaigns, classroom activities, workshops, and other special events.

Bullying is defined as “when people repeatedly and intentionally use words or actions against someone or a group of people to cause distress and risk to their wellbeing”. In a report in 2010, approximately 2.7 million children suffered from verbal and physical attacks, called, bullying. The act of bullying does not end with verbal and physical assaults. Some suffered from being targeted among friends through social media such as Facebook. What was even more surprising is that 56% of students did nothing even after witnessing their peers being bullied. In other words, even if someone is being unfairly bullied at school, more than half of them do not take any action. 

These bullying actions mainly occur between grades 4 to 8, and it was found that about 90% of students in this period have been bullied by their friends. So now, the question is how can we and schools respond to this social problem? 

Last year, at Waihee Elementary, in Maui, all students wore orange to school to celebrate Unity Day, part of National Bullying Prevention Month. Principal Paula Inouye encouraged his students to wear orange, not only for its symbolism of warmth and harmony, but also for its safety and protective functions against bullying. Another teacher said that it is important to share anti-bullying messages early on, and warned that bullying in childhood can lead to depression or suicide as adults. About 13% of Maui County high school students have attempted suicide in the past 12 months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Additionally, about 13% of middle school students admitted to having attempted suicide at least once. Although elementary school students were excluded from this survey, Waihee Primary School teachers and staff said it is crucial to create a safe space for students. 

Efforts to eradicate bullying in American society and professional response measures are introduced in detail on the website (www.stopbullying.gov). We must all strive to prevent more victims and perpetrators through active and proactive participation.

FIS students could also actively participate in the national bullying prevention month by: 

• Getting insights from service groups like ICAP and Youth Against Prejudice
• Highlighting stories that address bullying in the library
• Add arts activities, music, and videos to Anti-Bullying