Though the world of education always remains vigilant to the negative effects of bullying on our students, the month of October brings with it a renewed focus on awareness, action and advocacy. National Bullying Prevention Month is a reminder that while we’ve made progress, our work is far from done. More than 1 in 5 students still report being bullied (NCES, 2022). That statistic represents real children in our classrooms, communities and online spaces.

Research shows that school-based bullying programs can reduce bullying. That means educators and school leaders have a profound opportunity to shift school climate, reduce harm and foster healthier environments for all students.

Understand Bullying Across Development

One of the biggest challenges in prevention is recognizing how bullying evolves as children grow.

• Childhood Bullying: Most visible in the early years, often involving physical aggression or loud name-calling. While these behaviors are easier to spot, they can still be dismissed as “kids being kids”. Educators must distinguish between reactive aggression (a child lashing out when provoked) and bullying which is proactive aggression used intentionally to gain power or control.
• Adolescent Bullying: As students enter middle and high school, bullying often shifts into relational aggression (rumors, social exclusion, and tactics like “vaguebooking” online). Adolescents also face bullying tied to identity, making it harder for adults to detect and address.

Recognizing these developmental differences helps educators spot subtle forms of bullying and respond with age-appropriate interventions.

The Role of Bystanders

Bullying rarely occurs in isolation. Most incidents happen in group settings, with audiences including bystanders, assistants and reinforcers. These peers often hold the greatest power to stop bullying, if they are supported and empowered to act.

But the bystander role is very complex. Students often weigh difficult social risks:

• Do I report and risk being labeled a “snitch?”
• Do I ignore it and choose to protect my own status?
• Do intervene, and if so, how?

Our job as educators is to make these decisions easier. That means creating a climate where speaking up is safe and valued. Applauding and safeguarding students who intervene is one of the most effective ways to shift school culture.

Building a Climate that Prevents Bullying

Because bullying is a group phenomenon, the climate of a school greatly matters. A positive, supportive climate reduces the prevalence of bullying behaviors and helps students develop shared responsibility for each other’s safety.

Some strategies to consider:

• Set Clear Expectations: Explicitly teach what bullying is and is not, and make sure students understand that respecting dignity is non-negotiable.
• Practice Skills: Teach students how to describe feelings, self-advocate, and seek help. Framing these skills as strengths encourages students to reach out for support.

Supporting Both Victims and Perpetrators

Addressing bullying isn’t only about protecting victims, it’s also about helping those who bully change their behavior. Sometimes students who engage in bullying are well-liked and socially skilled, using their influence in harmful ways. Clear values at school and home, paired with consistent accountability can redirect this behavior.

Connection is key for students who have been victimized. Encourage them to share their experiences, validate their emotions and connect them with supportive adults, mental health resources and mental health professionals (if needed).

No student should feel alone in navigating bullying.

If you have additional questions, please ask one of our experts!