Social Emotional Lesson (SEL) from the BMHS Counseling Office:

October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month

How common is bullying? 20% of students nationwide ages 12-18 reported that they had experienced bullying. Bullying affects all youth, including those who are bullied, those who bully others, and those who witness bullying.

Finding a solution to bullying is not easy. It takes the whole school community (including teachers, students, staff, parents, and outside community members) to have an effective bullying prevention program. However, bystanders (those who see bullying happening) can make a huge difference when they intervene on behalf of someone being bullied. When a bystander stands up for someone who is being bullied, they are acting as an upstander.

The video below by The NED Shows YouTube will explain what an Upstander is and how you can be one!

If your student is having a difficult time in school due to issues with other students, please let them know they are not alone. Encourage your student to reach out to Mr. Shaw for middle school (jtaylorshaw@berlincentral.org), Mrs. Harrison for high school (rharrison@berlincentral.org), Mrs. Steller for elementary school (rsteller@berlincentral.org), or another trusted adult in the building. If they do not feel comfortable doing so, please do not hesitate to reach out to us yourself – but please try encouraging them to advocate for themselves first!

Facts About Bullying