Standing Together Against Bullying: A Message from Psychological Services


October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time when schools and communities across the country come together to raise awareness and promote kindness, inclusion, and safety for all students. As your school psychologists, we want to take this opportunity to open up a conversation about bullying—what it looks like, how it affects students, and what we can all do to help prevent it.

What Is Bullying?

Bullying is more than just conflict or “kids being kids.” It’s unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. It can take many forms:

  • Physical (e.g., hitting, pushing)

  • Verbal (e.g., name-calling, teasing)

  • Social (e.g., spreading rumors, exclusion)

  • Cyberbullying (e.g., harmful messages or posts online)

What makes bullying especially harmful is that it’s repeated over time, and it can leave lasting effects on a student’s mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.

The Impact of Bullying

As school psychologists, we see firsthand how bullying can affect students. It can lead to:

  • Anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem

  • Trouble concentrating in school

  • School avoidance or absenteeism

  • Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches

On the flip side, students who bully others may also be struggling with emotional or behavioral issues that need support and guidance.

What Can We Do?

1. Speak Up
If you see bullying happening, say something. Whether you're a student, parent, or staff member, your voice matters. Silence often allows the behavior to continue. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools uses the "Say Something" Anonymous Reporting System for grades 6-12, which provides three reporting platforms (mobile app, website, 24/7 phone hotline) to submit tips, and a crisis center to examine and triage those tips. Students can submit tips through the hotline by calling 1-844-5-SAYNOW (1-844-572-9669), by visiting www.saysomething.net directly, or by downloading the free app from the App Store and Google Play Store.  

2. Reach Out
If you or someone you know is being bullied, talk to a trusted adult—a teacher, school counselor, administrator, or school psychologist. We are here to help. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools will continue to operate the Bully Patrol anonymous reporting system for elementary students. The electronic reporting system information can be found on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools website. You can also call the anonymous hotline, 336-703-4193, to report instances of bullying or misconduct.

3. Build a Culture of Kindness
Celebrate differences, practice empathy, and include others. Simple acts of kindness can go a long way in creating a safe and welcoming school environment.

4. Educate
The more we all understand about bullying and its impact, the better equipped we are to prevent it. Teachers, staff, and families can reinforce positive behavior and model respect and inclusivity.

Our Commitment

As school psychologists, we are committed to fostering a school climate where every student feels safe, supported, and valued. We are here to provide support, intervene when issues arise, and work with students, families, and staff to promote healthy relationships and emotional wellness.

Let’s work together to make our schools a place where bullying has no place—and where kindness, respect, and connection thrive.

If you have questions, concerns, or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school's Student Services team. We’re here for you!




Unity Day — October 22

Each year, Unity Day serves as the centerpiece of National Bullying Prevention Month, celebrated on October 22. On this day, people across the country come together to show support for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. The signature color of the movement—orange—represents hope and unity. Schools, communities, and organizations encourage everyone to wear orange or display orange ribbons to stand in solidarity against bullying. It’s a simple yet powerful way to say, “We are united for a future without bullying.”

Together, we can stand up, speak out, and stop bullying.

#BullyingPrevention #BeKind #SchoolPsychology #StrongerTogether

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