Thursday, October 4, 2012

October is Anti-Bullying Month




Unity Day: Wednesday, Oct. 10 – Mark your calendar now and make plans to wear orange on Unity Day. That's when scores of people around the country will join the movement to "Make it Orange and Make it End!" In 2011, Ellen DeGeneres promoted the cause on television by wearing orange and reminding millions of viewers about the importance of bullying prevention. Facebook supports the cause during October by providing users with information on PACER activities on its safety, educator, and privacy pages. Again in 2012, students will wear orange and use PACER resources to support the cause, hand out orange "UNITY" ribbons at school, and write "UNITY" on their hands or binders. Be sure to 'Attend' and 'Share' the Unity Day Facebook Event!
More Anti-Bullying Resources:

Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use
A website that links to information on cyberbullying including articles, reports, books, and professional resources from other organizations; offers consulting services.
  • Educator's Guide to Cyberbullying and Cyberthreats (2007) (PDF)
    Offers tips on how to teach proper Internet use to prevent cyberbullying and cyberthreats. Provides descriptions of various types of cyberbullying, teaching scenarios, and detailed information on related online risky behavior.
  • Mobilizing Educators, Parents, Students, and Others to Combat Online Social Aggression
    Provides a description of cyberbullying and cyberthreats, along with advice on responses and prevention techniques. Appendices offer information targeted to parents, educators (e.g., policies and legislation), and students. Includes a video presentation on cyberbullying, cyberthreats, and sexting, as well as handouts for K–12 youth on how to be cybersafe.
Committee for Children Works globally to prevent bullying, violence, and child abuse. The website offers programs, training (including free webinars), classroom activities, videos, resources for funding, an online store, and more.
GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network)
A national education organization whose mission is centered on creating safe spaces in schools for K–12 students. They seek to "develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes in creating a more vibrant and diverse community." The website and resources are focused on the acceptance of all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or occupation. Includes information on their research and policymaking, plus tools and tips.
  • Anti-Bullying Resources 
    "Through research-based interventions, GLSEN provides resources and support for schools to implement effective and age-appropriate anti-bullying programs to improve school climate for all students. While many schools show a willingness to address bullying generally, effective efforts must address the pervasive issue of anti-LGBT bullying as a crucial element of the problem. These programs and resources aim to help all members of the school community address bullying in inclusive and effective ways."
  • Olweus Bullying Prevention Program
    A schoolwide program (for elementary, middle, and junior high schools) designed to reduce and prevent bullying problems, and to improve peer relations among schoolchildren. Offers training for school staff and for National Olweus trainers.
i-SAFE
A nonprofit foundation whose online safety education programs are available throughout the U.S. and in Department of Defense schools around the world.
  • Educators
    Online, classroom, and community interactive curriculums on Internet safety; includes certification program.
  • Bully Proof Your School (2008) (PDF)
    A program "for handling bully/victim problems through the creation of a 'caring majority' of students who take the lead in establishing and maintaining a safe and caring school community." Improves school climate, addresses bystander and bullying behavior, teaches protective skills, and much more. Workshops are targeted to early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school personnel.
  • Bullying and Teasing of Youth with Disabilities: Creating Positive School Environments for Effective Inclusion (PDF)
    Information for educators about bullying and teasing within schools, especially harassment targeted toward children with disabilities.
Safe in YourSpace
This website provides information on cyberspace safety and encourages children, parents and teachers to talk with one another about how to stay safe online. Includes information covering various areas including cyberbullying, financial scams, and sexual victimization.
  • Stop Bullying Now!
    A website for parents, children, and educators providing strategies to reduce bullying in schools. Includes information about why children bully, what to do if you are being bullied, and what parents can do if their child is being bullied. Features "Cool Stuff," targeted toward children including webisodes, character profiles, and games. Also offers Spanish content materials for parents, survey and training opportunities, links to training videos and workshops, consultation (via phone and e-mail), and many other resources.

1 comment:

Committee for Children said...

Hey there, Closet Prof,

Thanks so much for featuring us in your blog! We're proud to help out with Unity Day. And heck, it's a lot of fun (you should see our office on October 10. It is so. Orange).

Just so you know, our Steps to Respect program is now also evidence based. A research study published in the Fall 2011 issue of School Psychology Review found, among other things, 33% less physical fighting in Steps to Respect schools as compared to control schools. Cool, huh?

Anyway, thanks so much for your great work, and thanks again for mentioning us. Now if you'll excuse us, we're off to iron our best orange shirt.