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October is National Bullying Prevention Month!  

In recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month 2018, Alexandria is hosting a series of activities through the Mayor's Campaign to End Bullying in Alexandria. The campaign works to raise awareness about how to identify, respond to, and prevent bullying. 

During October, wear green and declare your support for a bully-free Alexandria! The month will kick off on Tuesday, October 9, at 7 p.m. when Mayor Allison Silberberg will issue a proclamation at the City Council meeting; additional activities include school and recreation center activities, a Community Conversation, and more. Participants at each activity will have the opportunity to pledge their support and receive information and resources on how they can help reduce bullying.  View the Upcoming Meetings and Events list below for more information throughout the month.      

• National Bullying Prevention Month Proclamation 2018
• Cyberbullying Video
  
  
  
• Bullying Prevention -- October 18 "Community Conversation" Flyer
• Bullying Prevention Poster
  
• Take the Pledge!  Pledge your support for a Bully-Free Alexandria.  Email your completed forms to  michael.johnson@alexandriava.gov
• Visit the  BullyFree Alexandria Twitter page--@BullyFreeAlexVA -- wear green and post your photo with #Green4BullyFree
  
  

  Event Partners:

• Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy
• Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
  
• 18^th District Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court Service Unit
  
• Alexandria City Public Schools
  
• Alexandria Office of Communications and Public Information
  
• Alexandria Sheriff's Department
  
• Alexandria Police Department
  
• Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria
  
• Alexandria Health Department Teen Wellness Center
  
• Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria 
  

Upcoming Meetings and Events

Background

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, bullying is defined as "any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma.  "Bullying" includes cyber bullying.  "Bullying" does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict. 

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, more than one out of every five (20.8 percent) students nationwide report being bullied.  Data from the 2016 Youth Risk Behavior Survey show that in Alexandria, 10.1 percent of eighth graders surveyed and 12 percent of 10^th and 12^th graders surveyed reported being bullied at school. Additionally, 23.8 percent of eighth graders and 8.9 percent of 10^th and 12^th graders reported being bullied electronically. Membership in either bully or victim groups is associated with dropping out of school, poor social development, criminal activity and other negative long-term consequences.

A proclamation announced the start of the Mayor's Campaign to End Bullying in Alexandria in 2014. The purpose of the campaign, sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, is to wipe out bullying in our nation's schools and communities.  

Alexandria joins more than 170 jurisdictions from around the country who have signed on to the campaign to raise awareness, foster a safe school climate,  end bullying in schools and communities, and encourage everyone to take a stand against bullying.

Photo Gallery

Bully Free Girls Summer Clinic

Miracle Baseball League of Alexandria (Adults Therapeutic Recreation)

Recreation Department Staff

City Council Proclamation

Team Court Service Unit Joins Bully Prevention Day at the Courthouse

Bullying Prevention in Alexandria City Public Schools

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is strongly committed to creating a safe, positive school environment in which the academic performance, social, emotional and physical well-being of all students is supported. The ACPS Office of Equity and Cultural Competence, in conjunction with the Office of Student Services, provides programs and staff that promote healthy, caring, and responsible behaviors among students. Learn more about bullying and resources for bullying prevention and cybersafety.

The Mayor's Campaign to End Bullying Planning Committee

More Information

• Initial Project Timeline, Meetings, and  Benchmarks
• The Bully Project: Take the pledge, join the movement!
• Video: PBS independent Lens -- Bully  
• Facing History: Excerpts from the Film Bully
• John Adams Students Create Anti-Bullying Music Video
• Video: John Adams School – "No Bully Zone!"
• Alexandria City Public Schools: Anti-Bullying Facts
• Alexandria City Public Schools: Information on Bullying
• Presentation: Social Media and Kids: A Staff and Parent Training on Text Messaging, Social Media, and Cyber-Bullying
  

To address concerns about bullying or to report a bullying incident, please inform your school's principal.

Contact Alexandria Safe Place at 703.746.5400 for 24-hour access to immediate help and support for young people (ages 5-18) in crisis.
Emma Beall at 703.746.3670.

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at 703.746.3959.