Bullying is a crisis in our school systems, it is also an online problem with huge ramifications. Recently there were many threats made at local schools throughout West Virginia and Ohio. Many of them were a direct result of what children have learned from the actions of adults. Building a compassionate and kinder world should be everyone’s goal towards ending bullying. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, let’s do our part to stop bullying in all forms.

The consequences of bullying are far reaching. They leave children and adults with emotional scars, feelings of hopelessness, and often end in suicide. Studies connect bullying with school shootings around the country. Bullying in any form is unacceptable, whether in school, on the school yard or cyberbullying online.

Bullying is not just a youth problem. It occurs at all ages. Many adults are the worst. People in positions of authority such as County Commissioners, city council, boards of education and others are often bullied by overbearing adults who use rude and often offensive language to try and intimidate. Many times this sets the stage for how children act. They take it as acceptable behavior and use the same tactics on other kids. When addressing elected officials or anyone, no matter what the circumstances one should present their case and do so in a respectable manner.

Parents, teachers, schools, communities and even children need to step up and be leaders in bullying eradication. It takes brave people to overcome bullies, but they can make a difference in the culture change needed to overcome the dangerous and demeaning style bullies bring to the table.

National Bullying Prevention month is a month-long observance designed to raise awareness of bullying and cyberbullying in schools, in the workplace, and at home.

Educators and teachers can promote a classroom culture of respect, inclusiveness and positivity. Students can and should be rewarded for correct behavior habits including promoting anti-bullying policies. Community leaders should make every effort to control bullying within their authority and to promote programs that teach proper anti-bullying behavior.

Parents, grandparents and guardians should talk with their children and set examples for them to follow. Studies have shown that over many bullying incidents are a direct result of bad parenting. The old saying like Father like Son or the same for mom and daughter has resulted in children following examples they see at home or in public from those mentors. They are the primary role models for their children, and when they model the behavior they expect from their children, they teach through actions.

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy warns that today’s youth mental health crisis is the “defining public health issue of our time.”

Kids are experiencing mental health challenges at shockingly high rates. More than four in 10 high schoolers report ongoing feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Bullying can enhance those feelings and bring on episodes of hopelessness, resulting in suicides and other dangerous actions.

Providing positive reinforcement to children and teenagers can help protect them from bullying and other risky behaviors. Youth who experience bullying should reach out to a trusted adult to talk about it and get support. Helping prevent bullying is everyone’s job, step up to the task you could save a life.