October: National Bullying
Prevention Month
This October marks the sixth annual National Bullying Prevention Month. Originally a week-long campaign, PACER Center's National Center for Bullying Prevention—founders and co-sponsors of the event—expanded its duration to the entire month of October in 2010. The event is a great opportunity for you, your students, and your school to get the bullying prevention ball rolling in 2011.
Unity Day, October 12:
“Make it Orange and Make it End”
Download this free poster (PDF) to hang in your classroom and around the school in honor of Unity Day. Unity Day is an opportunity for members of your school community to visibly show their support for students who have experienced bullying by wearing orange. Other recommended ways to unite against bullying on Unity Day include posting online messages, handing out orange “Unity” ribbons, or writing the word “UNITY” on your hands.For more information about Unity Day and the many ways you can unite against bullying online and in your school community, visit PACER Center's National Center for Bullying Prevention Unity Day Web page.
Unity Dance Day, October 26
What: Unity Dance Day is a way for you to cap off National Bullying Prevention Month with some flair. Julie Hertzog, director of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, says “The Unity Dance Day celebrates the influence of music and dance as a powerful avenue to reach kids and teens about the bullying prevention message.”
How: Use the online Unity Dance Day Event Planning Toolkit to help you organize this event for your school. You’ll find the official song and dance steps, as well as resources for post-event activities that will inspire your students and staff to take action against bullying.
Classroom Activities
The following two activities are from the Free Downloads section of our online community. Be sure to visit (or join) the online community to download additional activities and the Steps to Respect Cyber Bullying Prevention Module, an overview and five lessons for Grades 4–6.
- Making a Difference Activity (PDF)
- Maps of Respect Activity (PDF)
