October is Bullying Prevention Month

Let’s all play our part to protect each other.

By: Maia Price

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness of bullying.

Bullying is unwanted aggression towards someone that is often portrayed as a sign of an imbalance of power. Bullying is often repeated or is threatened to be repeated over time. It may include threats, spreading rumors, intimidation, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.

Bullying also happens on technology, which is referred to as cyberbullying. Cyberbullying consists of mean text messages or emails, embarrassing photos posted on social media, unwanted videos being posted or passed around via text or social media, and blackmail.

There are multiple types of bullying that don’t necessarily fit the description of bullying. These types need the same amount of attention and awareness as any other type of bullying; these types just require a different solution and prevention strategy.

AAA has resources that can help prevent bullying. For example, the Grievance Policy is in place to help you make formal complaints that will be documented for further investigation and that can be used as proper evidence. You can submit this anonymously if you so choose, but you will not be informed of the outcome. All of this information that you share will be held with confidentiality and will not be disclosed to anyone.

AAA also has the Jupiter hotline which is a line that is always open to everyone. You will contact a member of administration who will assist you with your issues. Please use these resources when you are in real trouble.

If you or a family member is getting abused in your household, call 911 or your local hotline (1-866-ENDHARM (1-866-363-4276*).