Here are a few facts to get you up-to-speed, and some quick tips to help you and your child make this a healthy and safe school year free of bullying. 

What is (and isn’t) bullying: 

Let’s face it, whether in the schoolyard or online, kids can and will be mean. But bullying is different from meanness, teasing or drama. It’s not playful or gossipy, it’s a harmful, intentional and persistent form of aggression often carried out on someone the aggressor sees as being defenseless or of lower standing socially. 

A few statistics: 

- 1 in 7 Students in Grades K-12 is either a bully or a victim of bullying. 

- 56% of students have personally witnessed some type of bullying at school. 

- 15% of all school absenteeism is directly related to fears of being bullied at school. 

Whether your child is going into elementary school or entering their college years, bullying doesn't discriminate. But, that being said, it also doesn’t have to persist at their school. A great way to kick-off their school year, and a good way to approach stopping bullying overtime, is with education and awareness-building. The best place to start? At home. 

Four ways to get started: 

• Remind your kids that they can choose to be kind. It is a choice anyone can make.
  
• You are your child's role model so lead by example. Both online and off. 
  
• Talk with your kids about bullying. Awareness is key to prevention. 
  
• Many kids witness bullying. Talk to them about standing up and being more than a bystander.