Dear Editor,
October is Bullying Prevention Month. In the 2014 Kansas Communities That Care Survey, more than 13,000 Kansas students stated they were bullied between one and two times per week, and approximately 2,500 students disclosed being bullied each day. Nationwide, around 160,000 U.S. children stay home from school each day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students (National Education Association).
Bullying is intentional, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance, is directed at a specific target and usually repeated over time. It includes physical, verbal, social, sexual/gender and cyberbullying. Bullied kids, bullies and kids who witness bullying are all negatively affected emotionally and psychologically.
As the Prevent Child Abuse Kansas chapter, our goal is to connect families, empower youth and transform Kansas into a state of kindness. Join us in celebrating Kansas Kindness Day on October 22nd. Perform random acts of kindness for your fellow Kansans and wear orange to show your support for bullying prevention. Visit www.facebook.com/MakingKansasBullyFree to see acts of kindness that are being done across the state.
To access resources and learn more, visit the Kansas Childrens Service League website at www.kcsl.org or call 1-800-CHILDREN.
Vicky Roper
Prevent Child Abuse Kansas Director