Counselors Corner

October - Bullying Awareness Month 

Real Numbers. Real Lives.

• 1 in 5 students (ages 12–18) report being bullied at school.
  Source: National Center for Education Statistics (2023)

• Of those bullied:

  • 15% were made fun of or insulted.

  • 14% were the subject of rumors.

  • 6% were physically pushed, tripped, or spat on.

• Cyberbullying is rising fast: 60% of teens say they’ve been bullied or harassed online.

Humility + Empathy = Power

Everyone’s fighting something. The class clown might be masking anxiety. The "weird" kid might be battling things at home you can’t see. Empathy is not weakness. It’s maturity.

"Before you speak, ask yourself:

Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?"

• Bystanders have power. Over 50% of bullying situations stop when someone speaks up.

• If You See Someone Being Bullied:

• Interrupt if it’s safe. Even a small “Hey, that’s not cool” can be powerful.

• Check in with the person after. Let them know they’re not invisible.

• If You’ve Hurt Someone:

• Be honest with yourself.

• Apologize—not for how they feel, but for what you did.

• Do better. That’s how respect grows.

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• Talk to an adult if someone is in danger. This isn't "snitching"—it's being responsible.