The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
A look back at the first-ever White House Conference on Bullying Prevention, and details from a new report about effective ways to end bullying in our schools.
Bullying is not just a harmless rite of passage, or an inevitable part of growing up. It’s destructive, and threatens the health and well-being of our young people. Nearly one-third of all school age children are bullied each year--13 million students.
Allowing students to be harassed, teased, or even injured by bullying is not something we have to accept. In March, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama held the first-ever White House Conference on Bullying Prevention, bringing together communities from across the nation who have been affected by bullying as well as those who are taking action to address it. The President and First Lady even filmed a video about the importance of ending bullying and creating communities where young people can thrive.
Watch President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama address bullying here.
Today, the Department of Justice released the first of five reports examining how bullying affects things like student achievement and school attendance, and explores whether extra-curricular activities help ease problems caused by bullying (good news: they can).
The report also found that generic, pre-fabricated anti-bullying curriculums weren’t that helpful or effective in preventing bullying. Giving students opportunities to be mentors to others or participate in community service activities, on the other hand, allows them to practice healthy leadership and learn what it means to be in charge.
Read the full report here.
