“No child should ever fear going to school. Our schools should be safe havens for learning.” – Mayor Jim Kenney
It’s an unfortunate reality of life that bullying happens. Acknowledging this reality, however, doesn’t mean that there’s nothing we can do about it.
That’s part of the thinking behind Spirit Day, an annual way to take a stand against bullying and show support for LGBTQ youth. On Spirit Day, this Thursday, October 20th, GLADD encourages folks to wear purple to show their solidarity in standing against bullying and post on social media using the hashtag #SpiritDay.
LGBTQ students face a uniquely troubling situation.
According to GLAAD, three quarters of LGBTQ students report being verbally harassed because of their orientation; and, 36 percent report physical harassment. Statistics like those are partly why The Trevor Project exists, too.
A 24-hour crisis intervention and suicide prevention organization, The Trevor Project serves LGBTQ young people ages 13-24. You can reach The Trevor Project’s hotline at 866-488-7386
While bullies target LGBTQ students at disproportionately high rates, the problem is serious for all students, LGBTQ or otherwise. That’s also why all October is National Bullying Prevention Month, during which the federal government encourages folks to publicly stand against bullying of all kinds using #StopBullying365 on social media.
The federal government says between 1 in 3 and 1 in 4 students experience bullying, with most instances occurring in middle school. It can be direct, like taunts or physical abuse, or indirect, like spreading rumors online.
In all cases, it creates a frightening environment for our kids and long-term negative consequences for those targeted by bullies.
Here are a few other things you can do right now to stand up to bullying.
- Use GLAAD’s #SpiritDay Social Media Kit: GLAAD has a collection of resources you can use to publicly show your support in the fight against bullying, including changing avatars and profile pictures — the perfect option for those who want to increase awareness and advocacy!
- Visit Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Bullying Prevention Resources Site: In one place, you can find local and state resources, like the School District of Philadelphia’s bullying hotline (215-400-7233).
- Review the Department of Health and Human Services Bully Prevention Site: The federal government’s anti-bullying site, StopBullying.gov, has a host of resources, including tips for teachers and other grownups. HHS encourages people to stand up to bullying all year long on social media using #StopBullying365.
- Download the KnowBullying App: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a free app devoted educating parents and caregivers, including tips on warning signs and how to start conversations about bullying.
- Wear Purple On Spirit Day: Wearing purple on October 20’s Spirit Day is a perfect, simple way to stand against bullying and show solidarity with LGBTQ students!