October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time dedicated to protecting communities and taking a stand for others. We all can help prevent bullying by fostering a culture of respect and empathy in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities, and taking time for self-reflection.
National Bullying Prevention Month began in October 2006 as a national campaign to educate the public about the severe effects of bullying and the prevalence of bullying in schools, the workforce, and even at home. By dedicating this month to fostering a culture of kindness and respect, we serve our community.
Parents, school administration, and communities carry great responsibility in providing children a safe and supportive environment from bullying. Fostering resilience, providing resources for victims of bullying, and promoting kindness go a long way in protecting children from bullying. Workforce bullying is often a less recognized form of bullying, but carries the same consequences.
At Team Anna, we proudly stand against any type of bullying, harassment, and hatred, and treat those affected with love and compassion. Several organizations in Central Florida align with our goals to end bullying and support those impacted. If you or a loved one could use support, please reach out to organizations listed below.
- Bullying Prevention Strategies and Resources for K-12 Schools: A national site dedicated to educating communities about specific strategies they can use to prevent bullying in schools and its effects.
- Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida: The UpStanders Program is a bullying prevention initiative of the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education that seeks to teach the young about becoming Upstanders of bullying to make their school a safe and respectful space in Schools, including Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Brevard counties.
- Mental Health Association of Central Florida: MHACF is a community-based advocate for the needs of individuals suffering from mental illness and strives to promote the mental health of all by providing services, resources, and referrals for professional help.
- National Alliance on Mental Health: NAMI is a national nonprofit serving Greater Orlando that seeks to improve individuals suffering from mental illness by improving their quality of life through education, support, and advocacy. It works with the community to break the stigma of mental health.
- Orlando Youth Alliance: A peer-to-peer support group for LGBTQ youth in Central Florida that offers cultural classes, scholarships, career exploration, and mental health referrals.
- Peer Support Space: Peer Support Space of Central Florida is an organization that strives to help individuals who are navigating mental illness, substance misuse, neurodivergence disability, grief, trauma, and other mental wellness challenges. PSS caters to individuals from all backgrounds and supports its community through peer-led recovery resources.
- Stand Up Orlando: Stand Up Orlando is a campaign and program formed by Mayor Buddy Dyer that seeks to make the community a safe place of acceptance and respect through the commitment to prevent bullying at schools.
- Zebra Youth: Zebra Youth is an organization in Central Florida that provides services to LGBTQ+ youth (ages 13-24) facing homelessness, bullying, isolation, and sexual and drug abuse through individualized programs that aid with recovery and stability.