October is National Bullying Prevention Month. For many of us, this calls to mind questions like “How do I spot signs of bullying?,” “What do I do if my child is feeling pressured by bullying behavior at school?,” and “How can I teach my children to advocate for themselves and for others?”
Continue below for a variety of resources, appropriate for children gradesPre-K through 12, to help you strengthen your child’s ability to empathize, empower them to be a better “includer,” model kindness and respect, and—if the situation calls for it—action plans for addressing bullying.
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Speak Out About It
Speaking Out Against Unfairness | Meet the Helpers
Grades PreK-K
We can all be helpers by speaking up when something is unfair. Learn how in this video from Meet the Helpers.
Power up with Leadership! | GIRL Power!
Grades K-5
Sasha is 17 years old and had a difficult time in school due to being bullied. She found her outlet through art and now leads art classes at her local boys and girls club with an emphasis on bullying awareness and education. She wants to make sure others feel empowered to speak up for themselves and take action. She leads by example.
Fighting Prejudice and Bullying | FILMS BYKIDS
Grades 6-12
When you go to school, everyone should be respected! Learn how anti-bullying activist Faiza Almontaser dealt with Islamophobia at school after her family immigrated to New York City from Yemen.
Combating Homophobia/Transphobia: Real-Time Tips
Grades 6-12
This educator resource focuses on the implications of homophobia/transphobia on the lives of those in the LGBTQ community, with video clips from First Person. Learn how to intervene in moments of discrimination and insensitivity, and discover the importance of community for LGBTQ youth. Support materials include discussion questions and a Real-Time Tips handout to help you better understand and combat homophobia/transphobia in your school.
They Missed Out On All This! | Hope Givers
Grades 6-12
Actress & model Lily Moore shows how forgiveness is so important—those that are being bullied are taking the brunt from someone else that is struggling in their own way. The cool thing is Lilly teaches us to have empathy, compassion, and forgiveness while serving others! In this episode we learn about bullies, advocacy, resilience, service, the RAR technique, and embracing your culture.
Tools to Prevent & Address Bullying
What to Do If Your Child Is Being Bullied
Grades PreK-5
The signs of bullying can be difficult to spot. Watch for these red flags that could signal your child might be dealing with a bully — and learn what you can do to help resolve the situation.
What to Do When Your Child Is a Bully
Grades PreK-5
Hearing news of your child as a bully may be shocking. These six steps can help children reflect and build better behaviors.
How to Teach Your Child to Be An “Includer”
Grades PreK-5
How do you empower your child to be an “includer?” Follow these steps to teach your little one how to spread kindness and compassion and include others.
Helping Your Children Be Their Own Best Advocate
Grades PreK-5
Learn three ways you can help young children practice sticking up for themselves and advocate for their needs.
Books, Games & Activities
Daniel and His Friends
Grades PreK-K
In this interactive storybook, your child can read along with Daniel Tiger as he thinks about ways that he is different from his friends and ways that he is the same as his friends.
Room for Everyone: 10 Picture Books that Encourage Kindness
Grades PreK-4
As parents and educators, we can teach our children how to be kind to others by reading books that explore empathy, celebrate diversity, and encourage inclusivity. Here are ten books to get you started.
Kindness Bingo
Grades K-2
Encourage your child to be kind by completing “Kind Acts Bingo!” Sharing toys, mailing someone a letter or helping your teacher are all wonderful ways to be kind.
So Funny I Forgot to Laugh
Grades K-5
Explore the topic of empathy in this interactive comic, So Funny I Forgot to Laugh, based on the characters and storyline from Arthur. When Arthur takes his teasing too far, it upsets Sue Ellen. Can Arthur find a way to apologize for bullying Sue Ellen and save their friendship?
Bullying: The Heart Exercise for Groups Lesson Plan
Grades 6-12
Help students recognize the power of words and stereotypes with this powerful lesson plan for groups. It helps students develop empathy for each other while sharing their own experiences.