The national statistics on bullying are staggering. Each day, 160,000 students miss school due to bullying-related issues; bullying is a leading factor in suicide among children ages 11-16; and 60 percent of bullies have been charged with a crime by age 24.
This year, Dallas ISD and the City of Dallas are joining forces to take a stand against bullying with the Take the Lead: Be a HERO (Help, Encourage and Respect Others) campaign.
The collaboration brings Dallas ISD Superintendent Mike Miles and City of Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings together in a joint public service announcement encouraging everyone to take a stand against bullying.
“We want to ensure our schools continue to provide a safe learning environment that is welcoming, non-threatening and free from bullying,” said Miles. “This is an important initiative, and we are glad to partner with the City of Dallas to create awareness in our schools and beyond.”
The initiative includes training for park and recreation center managers and district staff on effective anti-bullying interventions; encouraging students and others to take a pledge to stand up against bullying and violence; and placing anti-bullying posters throughout schools and city facilities.
“I am always eager and proud to support initiatives that promote a culture of respect for others in our
schools, homes and communities,” Rawlings said. “Creating awareness in young students provides a better
chance to make a positive impact in their lives.”
November 18-22 is anti-bullying week in Dallas ISD. During the entire week, all schools will participate in a variety of activities geared to create awareness among students and provide effective ways to prevent bullying. The schools will continue focusing on anti-bullying awareness throughout the remainder of the school year.
The goal of the campaign is to cultivate an environment of respect in schools and throughout the city; improve awareness of the problem among students, parents, staff and community; and create a lasting impact about the negative effects of bullying, no matter where it occurs.
