• OCTOBER IS BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH

    Bullying can impact a student’s education, physical and emotional health, and their safety and well-being. Together we can create communities that are kinder, more inclusive and accepting for all students. Learn what you can do at https://www.pacer.org/bullying/

    • More than one out of every five students will be bullied this year.
    • Bullying is a community-wide issue that must no longer be ignored or thought of as a rite of passage.
    • Bullying directly affects a student’s ability to learn. Students who are bullied often do not want to go to school.
    • Silence is not an acceptable response to bullying. Ignoring it won’t work. Everyone needs to be empowered with options for responding to bullying situations.
    • Everyone’s actions matter; we all have a role to play in bullying prevention. Our message to others is stronger when we are united by the common principle that bullying is never acceptable.

    What is Bullying?

    Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children. It usually involves an imbalance of power and is repeated over time. Bullying includes: name-calling, spreading rumors, purposefully excluding someone from a group, hitting, verbal attacks or threats. Bullying can be verbal, physical, or social and can have long-term effects.

    Signs of Bullying

    Many children who are bullied have changes in behavior. However, not all children who are bullied show signs. Common signs of bullying include:

    • Unexplainable injuries
    • Lost or destroyed clothing, books, etc.
    • Frequent headaches or stomach aches
    • Changes in eating habits
    • Frequent nightmares or difficulty sleeping
    • A change in grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school
    • Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations
    • Feelings of helplessness or decreased self-esteem
    • Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide

    How to Get Help

    If you know of someone who is being bullied, report it. The School District of Osceola does not tolerate bullying and we will investigate all reports of bullying promptly. You can report bullying to your teacher, school counselors, or administrators.  You can also report by clicking on the picture of the hand below.

    You can report bullying here:

     For More Information

    Parent Info Night on Bullying -- October 19, 2023

    Pacer's National Bullying Prevention Center

    Center for Disease Control Bullying Prevention

    Stop Bullying Now!