It has been known that bullying around the country is a big problem. The statistics point to the fact that something needs to be done. People mostly look to the schools to handle the issue of bullying, but perhaps it is time for the whole community to take the issue on. With the community on board, addressing the issue to dismantle it, the schools and all areas will benefit. Tapping into how to get the community on board to combat bullying is a powerful method for creating a kinder world.
"We work with schools and communities around the country. We know how important it is to get the whole community on board with stomping out bullying," says Kirk Smalley, co-founder of Stand for the Silent. "It's really a team effort to address the issue, and we are happy to be at the forefront of helping people to make a difference."
Bullying is a common issue at school, with 1 in 5 high school students reporting being bullied on school property, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But it doesn’t stop once kids leave the school campus. The CDC reports that 1 in 6 high school students are cyberbullied, which takes place online, through texting, etc.
While we tend to think that bullying is a problem only for our youth, one look at the statistics surrounding workplace bullying proves otherwise. The CDC reports that up to 59% of workers in America say that they have felt bullied in the workplace, while up to 15% globally have felt bullied, and 12% have witnessed others being bullied.
With youth and adults having bullying issues around the nation, it’s time for communities to address the issue as a whole. Here are ways for communities to combat bullying:
Guest speaker. Stand for the Silent has a mission of traveling the country to speak with schools and communities about bullying. Inviting them to the community or school to talk is a significant first step toward making a change and setting a new tone.
Make the commitment. The community needs to commit to the idea of addressing bullying. Coming together to share in the mission of tackling the issue will be more successful if those involved are 100% on board with making it a consistent part of the community discussion.
Raise awareness. The more people talk about bullying in the community, including what it looks like, the damage that it does, and what to do to address it, the more it takes the power away. When people are aware of the issue in their community, they will become more active in helping not to tolerate it.
Partner up. Community groups working to eradicate bullying can partner with other local resources, including groups, organizations, sporting teams, etc. That way, the message is being reinforced at every corner.
Get people involved. To get more community members engaged in addressing the issue, hold community events, have guest speakers, forums, question and answer sessions, etc. People need the facts and how to handle it, and they can get the answers at these events.
"Your community will feel the difference it makes once you get started addressing the issue together," adds Smalley. "Our youth doesn't live in a bubble, they are part of the community, so it’s time for us to all stand together on this issue.”
Some signs may signal a child is being bullied, such as having sudden changes in school attendance, having difficulty concentrating, lacking the ability to be self-assertive, having injuries without an explanation of where they came from, a loss of appetite before going to school, etc. If a parent or teacher suspects a child is being bullied, the issue should be investigated and remedied immediately.
Smalley and his wife, Laura, started the organization following their 11-year-old son ending his own life due to bullying. They turned their pain and loss into a mission of helping others. He travels the country giving presentations about bullying to schools, providing bullying prevention, giving out scholarships, offering intervention strategies, and more. Those interested in getting involved can start a chapter of the group in their area, obtain a free K-2 bullying prevention curriculum, host a presentation at their school, and donate to help support the cause. To get more information, visit the site at: https://standforthesilent.org/
