National bullying prevention month

Denise Aungst, Michigan State University Extension -

Engaging students and adults to create positive community enivronments and reduce bullying.

Founded in 1977, PACER Center was created by parents of children and youth with disabilities to help other parents and families facing similar challenges. Today, PACER Center expands opportunities and enhances the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families.  PACER is the founder of National Bullying Prevention Month, held annually in October. 2013 marks the 8th anniversary of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Month, which unites communities nationwide to raise awareness of bullying prevention through events, activities and education.

According to Michigan State University Extension, positive environments where students are empowered, encouraged and lead turn the tide of aggression, spite and negativity. Schools and communities around the country and northern Michigan are acknowledging October as bullying prevention month and taking the opportunity to create positive climates where students are accepted, included and supported.

The Anti-Bullying Task Force in the Grand Traverse region recognizes the struggles and impacts of bullying behaviors on students, families and schools.  As a result, the 2nd annual conference entitled Cyberbullying and Social Media will take place Friday, October 25,2013 at the Haggerty Center in Traverse City.  Keynote speakers will be Anthony Ianni, spokesperson for the Michigan Autism Alliance and Kevin Eppling, father and proponent for Matt’s Safe School law.  Workshop sessions are planned for both youth and adults.

This timely highlight is also an opportunity to highlight  the effort of MSU Extension to promote social emotional health and bullying prevention.   BeSafe: Safe, Affirming and Fair Environments initiative connects communities with research and resources through trainings, workshops and curriculum.  MSU Extension has experts around the state to bring the Be SAFE initiative into all communities wishing to learn about the complex issue of bullying and adopting practical strategies for addressing it.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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