October is National Anti-Bullying Month.
Bullying has always been around in schools but in the past few years it has changed with the widespread use of the internet. It’s no longer a problem between one or two students – it now reaches throughout the school in a matter of minutes.
No student is exempt from being a bully or from being bullied. It is now an epidemic because of it’s high visibility and the embarrassment is much greater with photos and videos being spread through so many channels.
Kids with learning disabilities already feel some amount of embarrassment because they are in special classes or can’t compete on some levels as their peers. It’s important to discuss it in the IEP to find out if it’s happening and to monitor any changes in behavior that might stem from bullying in school.
Great Schools has some tips for ways to eliminate bullying.