[Archived] Bully Free Starts with Me: October is National Bullying Prevention Month

For Immediate Release: October 6, 2017

In recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month this October, Alexandria is hosting a series of activities through the Mayor’s Campaign to End Bullying. The purpose of the Campaign is to raise awareness about bullying: what it is, what to do about it, and how to prevent it.

Bullying is a pervasive problem in our society. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, more than one out of every five (20.8 percent) of students nationwide report being bullied. In Alexandria, nearly 25 percent of eighth graders and more than 13 percent of 10th and 12th graders reported being bullied at school, according to data from the 2014 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Membership in either bully or victim groups is associated with dropping out of school, poor social development, criminal activity and other negative long-term consequences.

During October, all Alexandrians are asked to wear green and declare their support for a bully-free Alexandria. Activities will include sports days, family nights, school and recreation center activities, a poster contest for youth, a citywide Unity Day and much more. Participants will have the opportunity to pledge their support and receive information and resources on how they can help reduce bullying in the community. Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg will also present a proclamation at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 10, at 7 p.m., at City Hall (301 King St.).

This year’s Bullying Prevention Month activities are sponsored by the Mayor’s Campaign to End Bullying, which was started in 2014 by former mayor William D. Euille. The purpose of the campaign, sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, is to wipe out bullying in our nation's schools and communities. Over the last three years, Alexandria City Public Schools, City government agencies, community organizations, youth leaders and residents have worked together to increase the awareness of the negative effects of bullying and to prevent bullying among Alexandria’s youth.

For more information about the Campaign and a calendar of events for National Bullying Prevention Month, visit www.alexandriava.gov/EndBullying.

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.