Today is National Say Something Nice Day!
Approximately one in four youth are affected by bullying during the school year, negatively impacting millions of children, parents, and individuals in schools and communities. USD 475 discourages bullying with strong programs such as OLWEUS; providing information and promoting speaking out against bullying. With school out for summer, it is still possible for your child to become a victim of bullying either in person or by means of cyberbullying; a communication or posting by one or more individuals using technology or digital media designed to hurt, threaten, embarrass, annoy, or otherwise target another individual. This form of bullying is willful and can involve text, gaming devices, the internet, social media, email, blogs, cell phones, and other technological devices.
There have been many efforts to discourage bullying in schools and on the internet; Say Something Nice Day is one such effort. It is meant to counteract bullying by spreading messages of kindness. Positivity goes a long way in spreading happiness and joy and it doesn’t take more than a few moments of your time. When children are kind in their interactions with others, they receive positivity and kindness back. This enriches their lives, spreads happiness further, and promotes a healthy attitude.
Encourage your child to share something kind to friends on social media using the hashtag #SaySomethingNiceDay. Not only is it important to express your kinder side online it’s also important to point out the positive in person! Remember, taking a few moments out of your day for someone else can really have an impact.
If you or someone you know is dealing with depression as a result of bullying it is important to seek help. There are many resources available and we’ve included just one of them below. Report bullying to school, summer camp, or program officials.