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Health & Fitness

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Take time out during the month to talk to your kids about the damage bullying can do.

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is October 1st. I could have sworn it was summer yesterday, and now it's time to get ready to rake leaves, buy pumpkins and take the family to the local fall festival. Next thing you know, it will be Thanksgiving!

If you haven't heard, October is National Bullying Prevention Month. There was bullying when we were kids, but for the most part, you could escape it outside of your classroom. Today, because of advances in technology, the weaponry available to bullies is more pervasive, cutting and can leave longer scars. Bullying is done not only in schools, and local communities, but in social networks, via webcams and through mobile phones. It extends way beyond the school walls.  The harsh reality is that there are very few opportunities to escape the wrath of a bully in today's technologically advanced world.

Take some time during the month of October to sit down and talk to your kids about bullying offline AND online. I think one of the most compelling ways to teach kids about how damaging bullying can be is to let them hear from one of their own, describing their own personal experience.

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Recently, 13-year-old Alye Pollack received national attention for a YouTube video she created, describing the impact of hurtful words and bullying. After being bullied for years, she decided to create the video to help others who may also be suffering from bullying.  I have included a link to her YouTube video below:

 WORDS DO HURT Alye Pollack

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Here are some online resources to help you start the conversation… 

 

Visit my blog Live Fit and Sore! to find support and general information about living a healthy and fit life. My hope is that you find the right information to inspire you to head out on your own fit and healthy journey.

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