October Is Bullying Prevention Month: Boys Town Urges Schools to Tackle In-Person and Cyberbullying Together

Bullying today doesn’t clock out at the final bell—it continues in DMs, group chats, and gaming servers. As schools nationwide mark National Bullying Prevention Month in October, Boys Town South Florida is calling on schools to align their in-person and online responses, so students feel safe on campus and on their screens.

“Prevention works best when the whole school speaks with one voice,” said Zach Myers, Ph.D., child and adolescent psychologist at Boys Town Behavioral Health Clinic. “That means clear policies, trained staff, easy reporting tools, and parents who know how to document and escalate when things cross the line—online or offline.”

The numbers are clear—and concerning. In the past year, nearly one in five students was bullied at school and one in six experienced cyberbullying. Heavy social media use is tied to higher reports of bullying, persistent sadness and suicide risk. Evidence shows schoolwide, evidence-based programs cut both in-person and online bullying and improve student mental health.

Help is available 24/7 through the Boys Town National Hotline (800-448-3000) and Text Line (text VOICE to 20121), as well as YourLifeYourVoice.org and the YLYV app—all free and confidential.

What Schools Can Do This Month (and Keep Doing All Year)

For Principals & District Leaders

· Update codes of conduct to cover off-campus cyberbullying that disrupts learning and publish step-by-step response protocols.

• Make reporting simple and safe with an anonymous QR/form and a trained response team.
• Do a “digital backpack” check. Sit with your child to review privacy settings, group chats, and friend lists; set device-free bedrooms and mealtimes.

· If Audit school devices/networks to limit anonymous-abuse apps and enable screenshot-and-submit in the workflow.

For Teachers & School Staff

• Watch early indicators (avoidance, grade dips, “phone-freeze” after notifications) and route concerns promptly.
• Document messages, posts and timestamps—don’t delete—and follow the school process.
• Set brief class norms for in-person and digital conduct, revisit after breaks.

For Parents & Caregivers

• Use openers that work: “What’s the toughest part of your day online?” Listen first; plan next steps together.
• If harm happens, act fast: screenshot, report in-app and notify the school; use the hotline/text for immediate support.

Protocol Snapshot

At the first sign of bullying—online or in person—use a consistent protocol that prioritizes safety, documentation and timely follow-up. When a student is targeted, ensure safety and stabilize with a trusted adult and caregiver contact as appropriate; preserve evidence with screenshots/URLs, dates and device logs; investigate and intervene using tiered supports (restorative meetings, counseling, schedule/locker changes, supervision); and follow up with scheduled check-ins, academic/attendance monitoring and timely updates to families.

About Boys Town South Florida:

For over a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of America's children and families through innovative youth, research, and healthcare programs. Boys Town South Florida has been providing life-changing care to area children and families since 1991. Our programs and services are part of the Boys Town national network and include the organization's research-proven methods, which ensure that troubled children and families across the country receive the right care, at the right time, in the right way. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.boystown.org.