San Dieguito Union High School District Works To Prevent Bullying

ENCINITAS, CA — October is National Bullying Prevention Month. The campaign aims to bring attention to the bullying problem and involve people nationwide in a conversation on how to create a world safe from bullying.

In San Dieguito Union High School District, preventing bullying is not just a priority in October, it is an ongoing commitment.

"While there are many recognized days, weeks and months throughout the year to call out specific awareness to an issue or cause, SDUHSD focuses its efforts on building a multi-tiered system of student support to promote student well-being and connection throughout the year," Superintendent Robert Haley said.

One of the district's priorities is student connectedness and student safety. Therefore, schools work with their communities throughout the year to plan activities that promote student connectedness and well-being.

Also see: Unity Day: What It Is, How To Participate In Encinitas

SDUHSD has close to 13,000 students at 10 school sites.

The district has a team of credentialed school-based mental health professionals, including school counselors, school psychologists and student support specialists. These staff members, along with school administrators, lead efforts throughout the school year to connect students.

In addition, all student ID cards have resources and students are encouraged to access support for themselves, friends, family members and colleagues, Haley said. The district also has bullying prevention resources on the district website.

"The work of bullying prevention, is a community effort that includes families, communities, schools and more," Haley said.

Related: Bullying Prevention Month In San Diego County

As part of a national reporting project, Patch has been looking at society's roles and responsibilities in bullying and a child's unthinkable decision to end their own life in hopes we might offer solutions that save lives.

Do you have a story to tell? Are you concerned about how your local schools handle bullies and their victims?

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