Bullying Prevention
Bullying is a serious and growing problem with many consequences. For victims, bullying can affect one’s mental health, self-image, physical well-being, social interactions, and academic performance – and in the most severe cases, can lead to depression, self-harm and suicide. When a child is bullying others, consequences may include school suspension or expulsion, and most severely, criminal punishment.
The Community Affairs Unit is committed to being proactive to reduce harm. The unit educates youth in the community on how to respond to bullying and provides positive outlets for them to stay involved. Thus, its goal is to equip youth with the tools to make positive decisions and avoid involvement with the juvenile justice system. Additionally, the unit urges parents and adults to play a role in preventing bullying. Many youth lack the information needed to make smart decisions or don’t understand the potential consequences of actions that they may take. By staying informed, parents can recognize warning signs and intervene to prevent children from harm.
The Community Affairs Unit engages in prevention efforts year-round. This includes:
Hosting an annual youth summer camp to provide youth with a positive environment to gather and voice their concerns, to benefit from role models, to learn about issues that affect them, and to work together to foster healthy and supportive friendships and relationships.
Conducting presentations specifically targeting youth. The unit visits schools, housing developments, youth centers and other places that elementary, middle and high school students gather.
Staffing tables at various events and fairs throughout the year to distribute prevention materials such as our Bullying Prevention Brochure which includes bullying information and how certain acts may constitute a crime.
Partnering with local school districts and serving on boards that deal with school, community and youth issues. This includes collaborations on public service announcements, creating and distributing literature on issues like bullying, cyberbullying, gangs, guns, drugs and substance abuse, and creating and maintaining updated resource guides for enhanced outreach, intervention, and prevention.
Types of bullying
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- Physical bullying
- Verbal bullying
- Emotional bullying
- Cyber-bullying
Helpful Resources
Download our Bullying Prevention Brochure
Additional Online Resources:
Learn about SAMHSA’s KnowBullying Bullying Prevention App!
A Teens Guide to Peer Pressure
www.onguardonline.gov
www.stopbullying.gov
www.doe.mass.edu/bullying
marccenter.webs.com
www.stopbullyingnow.com
www.stopcyberbullying.org
www.cyberbullyhelp.com
www.thatsnotcool.com
www.athinline.org
Heads Up: Stop Think Click
Stand Up to Cyberbulling