Bullying is an issue that has been around for years and has impacted many generations.  But if we work together we can stop it.

Over the years we have learned a great deal about this and how as individuals and groups we can step in and make a difference.  The long-term effects of bullying can be prevented and it doesn't take a large amount of money or an expensive program to make it happen.  It takes kindness, listening and guidance.  Please visit Stopbullying.gov for resources and information.

Here are some resources from their site.   

Is Kindness on Your Students’ Summer Reading Lists?

School is out for the summer, but that doesn’t mean kids have to stop learning about topics like kindness and respect to help prevent bullying. Books can be powerful teachers and can model positive behaviors for kids. With a summer reading list full of kind and respectful characters, kids can learn skills to help prevent bullying, and they can have fun while doing it!

Spreading Kindness Helps Prevent Bullying 
Being kind is key to helping prevent bullying. Kindness is contagious. That means when someone is kind and encourages kindness, it spreads to their peers. One person’s kind acts have even been shown to reduce stress and depression in others! That’s why when kids and adults come together to build a kind and supportive environment , it helps everyone feel safe and prevents bullying overall. To spread kindness in your classrooms and communities, you can try some of these simple acts:

• Show support for others' ideas, goals, and activities.
• Reach out to someone who is struggling or alone.
• Be optimistic and positive toward others.
• When you're happy, show it! Smiling at others can spread your happiness.
• Include students who are outside of their group.
• Show empathy towards others by listening to them and reflecting on what they said.
• Be an upstander when someone is being bullied.

Kindness Benefits Everyone
When you choose to be kind towards yourself and others, you unlock many benefits. Studies have shown that kindness has positive effects on the mental and physical health of both the person being kind and the person receiving the kindness. Some of these benefits include improvements to:

• Positive relationships and social connections.
• Happiness.
• Energy.
• Heart health.
• Life satisfaction.
• Overall wellbeing.
• Life expectancy.

With all these benefits, why wouldn’t you choose kindness? Talk to the students in your life about how they can incorporate kindness into their summer plans. As they say in The Lion and the Mouse, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” When adults and kids come together to choose kindness, we can stop bullying for good!

Learn more on StopBullying.gov.

Additional Resources 

• See more resources for research about bullying.
• Learn how to work in the community to prevent bullying.
• Watch our video series for kids.
• See our resources on how to get help now for kids experiencing bullying.
• Adults, learn how to stop bullying on the spot. .Subscribe to StopBullying.gov and like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram for the latest news, information, and resources.