National Bullying Prevention Month
September 22nd, 2025
Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV School Social Work Team - October 2026
What is Bullying?
Bullying is repeated, intentional behavior meant to hurt, intimidate, or harm another person physically, verbally, or emotionally.
It often involves a power imbalance, where the bully uses their strength, popularity, or other advantage to control or harm someone else.
Bullying can take many forms, including physical actions, verbal attacks, social exclusion, or cyber harassment.
Imbalance of power + repetition = bullying
Students who are bullied are more likely to have:
- Anxiety or depression
- Suicidal ideation
- Low self-esteem
- School avoidance behaviors
- Higher absenteeism rates
- Dislike of school
- Lower grades
- Psychosomatic symptoms (e.g., sleep problems, bed-wetting, stomachaches, etc.)
Cyberbullying đź’»
While the definition of cyberbullying aligns with the traditional definition of bullying, the likelihood of repeated harm from one cyberbullying incident is quite high. This is because instances of cyberbullying can be accessed by multiple parties, forwarded to or shared with others, linked to other sites and apps, and revisited by targets of the aggression. This results in repeated exposure and repeated harm.
Bullying and Suicide
While suicide awareness and bullying awareness are two unique topics, research has found that bullying is a significant risk factor for suicide. While these two topics are associated, it is important to underscore that suicide is a complex behavior that is rarely attributed to one cause.
(From PCCD)
"Suicide is a serious concern for all kids who experience traumatic situations or mental health issues, including bullying. Although most kids who are bullied do not experience suicidal thoughts or self-harm, there is a strong connection between those who do present signs of suicide and a history of bullying." (From stopbullying.gov)
World Day of Bullying Prevention: Monday, October 5, 2026
The first Monday of every October is World Day of Bullying Prevention®!
On the first day of October and throughout the whole month, students, schools, and communities all over the world go BLUE together against bullying. Wear your blue shirt on the first Monday of October and throughout the entire month be sure to practice bullying prevention during World Bullying Prevention Month™.
It’s time to come together for World Day of Bullying Prevention, the annual moment when STOMP Out Bullying and communities worldwide unite and #BlueUp.
Let’s use this day to stand against bullying in all its forms—in schools, online, and beyond.
Wear blue. Speak up. Stand up against bullying. Make kindness louder.
Get involved, spread the word, and help create a safer world for our youth.
Bullying Resources
Bullying Resources for Parents
Bullying & Suicide Awareness Training
The MIU IV School Social Work has developed a training, "Bullying and Suicide Awareness" that is in compliance with Act 55 training standards. For more information regarding this training, please click the "Act 55 Offerings" link below, and scroll down to "Bullying and Suicide Awareness". Districts: If you would like to request this training, please reach out or complete the Professional Development Request Form linked below.
Need more information?
Contact the MIU IV School Social Work Team at socialwork@miu4.org!
Sara Joseph, LSW, C-SSWS
Bryda Drumm, LSW, C-SSWS
Jennifer Guthrie, LCSW, C-SSWS
453 Maple Street
Grove City, PA 16127
724-458-6700
Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV (MIU IV) does not discriminate on the basis of sex, and prohibits sex discrimination, including sex-based harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §§1681 et seq., and its regulations, 34 C.F.R. Part 106, including in admission and employment.