By Rhys Baker

October is Bullying Prevention Month. U-S-D 3-7-9 Clay County Schools has informational activities planned throughout the month to advocate against bullying in schools. October 16th will be Unity Day, when all U-S-D 3-7-9 staff will wear Orange Unity shirts provided by Clay Counts and K-DADS to show students, teachers, all staff members, and parents that they stand united against bullying. Clay Counts Coalition & U-S-D 3-7-9 Community Connections Coordinator Matt Weller explains that lessons about bullying will be different at each school. “Bullying is something that every school handles differently in terms of prevention. At Lincoln Elementary, it’s more about being a good friend and those basic concepts and then moves up from there.  It’s also about giving information not only to kids, but to parents about ways they can help.”

Weller says the most common bullying today happens via cyberbullying. In addition to learning about bullying, students are taught what is not considered bullying. “We talk about the difference between bullying and conflict. There is a difference there. Conflict is where both sides disagree on something, but it’s a one-time deal. With bullying, you’re talking about repeated instances where somebody is trying to show dominance over someone else. We’re trying to take up lots of communication in schools and over our social media platforms.”

Weller also pointed out that parents should contact their student’s school with concerns. It is a myth that incidents aren’t taken seriously; parents and students may not see the discipline because it is handled behind the scenes.