It's Bullying Prevention Awareness Month In Palm Desert

PALM DESERT, CA — October is National Bullying Prevention Month, meant to bring attention to the bullying problem and involve people nationwide in a conversation on how to create a world safe from bullying.

Desert Sands Unified District is among many across the nation focusing on the issue. This month, the district is taking part in drawing attention to the dangers of bullying.

As the month comes to a close, Wednesday has been dubbed "Unity Day" across the nation, in which students everywhere were encouraged to wear the color orange. As organizers of the event describe:

For years, our society justified bullying with expressions, such as, “Bullying is a natural part of childhood,” “Some kids just deserve to be bullied,” or “Bullying is a rite of passage.” The goal of the day is to bring together youth, parents, educators, businesses, and community members across the nation to emphasize the message that bullying is not acceptable and that all students deserve to be safe in school, online, and in the community.

Desert Sands Unified School District provides an online form where people can report any bullying activity they may see. You can access that here.

As part of a national reporting project, Patch has been looking at society's roles and responsibilities in bullying and a child's unthinkable decision to end their own life in hopes we might offer solutions that save lives.

Do you have a story to tell? Are you concerned about how your local schools handle bullies and their victims?

Email us at bullies@patch.com and share your views in the comments.