The month of October gives a chance for individuals to raise awareness about their experience with bullying. Throughout the month, it is encouraged to wear the color orange and to participate in bringing awareness to bullying.
According to PACER, bullying used to be viewed as a way to ‘make kids tougher’, however, the fact still stands that there are long term effects of bullying. People experience things such as, loss of self-esteem, increased anxiety and other serious mental illnesses. The topic of bullying has been coming up in schools all around the world, inspiring friends and family members to reach out to those they love and check up on them.
ACHS counselor Kelly Lindgren is one of the many trusted adults that students can feel comfortable going to when reporting bullying. Lindgren has helped students with this topic in the past and she is familiar with the consequences of bullying.
There are many forms of bullying including teasing, pushing and making threats. Most times individuals who are being picked on are afraid to speak up and report the issue. This is most likely why bullying typically goes unnoticed. It can be disguised as ‘playful teasing’ to justify what is being done. All victims of bullying show some sort of signs but they are not always noticed by those around them.
“Avoiding social situations where bullying could occur,” Lindgren said.
Individuals that have experienced bullying will try to stay away from people or places that might remind them of it. There are many resources available for those struggling with bullying. There are multiple ways to get help, whether it is at school or online. Counselors and teachers are a reliable support system because they want to resolve conflicts in school, especially something as serious as bullying.
Sophomore Hailey Christner is aware of the many resources that are available to her if she ever needs to reach out. One in particular is the hotline that anyone can turn to anytime they want.
“[The hotline] is basically like a parent or a teacher, the guidance that they give you, but it’s anonymous,” Christner said.
Some individuals may prefer to stay anonymous but still want to speak out about the issue. When talking to counselors, asking for confidentiality is easy and ensures that more problems do not occur.
Wearing orange during the month of October helps raise awareness for those who have gone through a hard time and show them that there are many people that could help them if they need to reach out.
There are many options other than turning to someone for help. Websites and hotlines are able to help with the situation, especially if there is a need for confidentiality. Use the number 1-800-273-8255 for help.
