Dear Austin ISD Families,

As we enter October, we are proud to announce that this month is dedicated to Bullying Prevention. At Austin ISD, we believe that every student has the right to feel safe and supported in their school environment. This month, our schools will focus on raising awareness about bullying, educating students on its various forms, and promoting kindness and inclusion within our community.

Understanding the Difference: Bullying vs. Conflict: It's important for families to understand the difference between bullying and conflict. Bullying is intentional, repeated behavior that aims to harm, intimidate, or control another person. It often involves a power imbalance, where the bully seeks to assert dominance over the victim. Conflict, on the other hand, is a normal part of relationships and can occur when two or more individuals have a disagreement or differing opinions. While conflicts can sometimes be hurtful, they can often be resolved through communication and mutual understanding.

Why Bullying Prevention Matters: Bullying can manifest in many ways, including physical, verbal, emotional, and cyberbullying. It not only affects the victims but can also impact bystanders and the overall school climate. Our goal this month is to empower students to recognize bullying, speak out against it, and support one another.

Weekly Themes and Activities: Throughout October, each week will feature specific themes and challenges designed to engage our students in meaningful conversations and actions. We encourage parents to discuss these topics at home and support their children in completing the weekly challenges. Here’s what we’ll be focusing on:

• Week 2: Understanding Bullying (Invite someone sitting alone to join you).
• Week 3: Bystanders vs. Upstanders (Be an upstander when witnessing bullying).
• Week 4: Cyberbullying Awareness (Spread positivity online) & on October 22 we will wear something Orange to show your support for bullying prevention and for students who have been bullied.
• Week 5: Gratitude and Appreciation (Thank someone who has shown kindness).

How Parents Can Get Involved:

• Discuss: Talk with your child about bullying and encourage open communication. Ask them about their feelings and experiences at school.
• Model Kindness: Demonstrate kindness and empathy in your interactions, reinforcing the importance of treating others with respect.
• Support School Efforts: Encourage your child to participate in school activities related to bullying prevention and be active in fostering a positive school environment.

We want to ensure that families have access to tools and information to support their children effectively. Below are some valuable resources:

• StopBullying.gov: A comprehensive site with information on bullying prevention, types of bullying, and how to report incidents.
• National Bullying Prevention Center: Offers resources and tools for schools and families to work together in preventing bullying.

Thank you for partnering with us in fostering a safe and supportive environment for our students. Together, we can make a significant impact in preventing bullying and promoting kindness within our schools.