National Stop Bullying Day 2017: A Day To Take A Stand Against Bullying

Wednesday, Oct. 11 is National Stop Bullying Day - a day to bring awareness of the need to stand up and end bullying. Some refer to this special observance on the second Wednesday of October as "Unity Day," according to National Day Calendar's website. Use #NationalStopBullyingDay on social media to spread awareness about bullying, and the dangers that come with it. Indiana has put together several regulations, laws and policies to try and combat these negative actions.

National Center for Education Statistics report nearly 21 percent of students just within a six-year age range (12 to 18) reported being bullied at school during the school year. The type of bullying was reported by the NCES as:

• 13 percent reported that they were made fun of, called names, or insulted.
• 12 percent reported being the subject of rumors.
• 5 percent reported that they were pushed, shoved, tripped, or spit on.
• 5 percent reported being excluded from activities on purpose.
• 4 percent of students reported being threatened with harm.
• 3 percent reported that others tried to make them do things they did not want to do.
• 2 percent reported that their property was destroyed by others on purpose.

NCES refers to "at school" as in the school building, on school property, on a school bus and going to and from school, and reports a higher percentage of female than of male students ages 12–18 reported being bullied at school during the school year (23 vs. 19 percent). There are also a difference in numbers for type of bullying when it comes to the sex, grade (age), race and nationality of the student.

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Indiana has anti-bullying laws, regulations and policies covering prohibited behavior and more.

What will you do today to play a role in #NationalStopBullyingDay?

More information: nces.ed.gov, nationaldaycalendar.com, stopbullying.gov

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