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Standing Together Against Bullying: A Message from Psychological Services

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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 firs...
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Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

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  Every September, schools, families, and communities across the nation join together to observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Month . This month serves as an important reminder that mental health is just as vital as physical health, and that creating safe, supportive environments can make a difference in the lives of students, staff, and families.  Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people. However, it is also p reventable . By raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and ensuring that resources are available, we can help protect the well-being of our students and community. Why Suicide Prevention Awareness Matters in Schools Reducing stigma: Open conversations about mental health encourage students to ask for help when they need it. Recognizing warning signs: Teachers, parents, and peers are often the first to notice changes in behavior or mood. Early intervention can save lives. Promoting a supportive community: When students feel connecte...
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Autism Acceptance Month

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  This month celebrates and honors the experiences and identities of Autistic individuals. It emphasizes understanding, inclusion, and support, moving beyond awareness toward meaningful acceptance.  The Autism Society of America has launched its Autism Is campaign to amplify the voices and lived experiences of Autistic individuals. Autism Is: personal and collective--an identity, a culture, a way of life. It comes with strengths and struggles, moments of joy, and challenges. You can make an impact by sharing your story, getting involved, and supporting the Autism community.    In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly designated April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day. The day's purpose is to highlight the need to improve the quality of life for people with autism and ensure they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.  Consider wearing one of the following colors or something related to Autism Acceptance on Wednesday, April 2: Blue...
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