Superintendent Arntzen Issues Call to Action to Stop Bullying

October 13 is National Stop Bullying Day

• Anastasia Burton
• October 13 2021

HELENA—In observance of National Stop Bullying Day, State Superintendent Elsie Arntzen issued a call to action to Montana educators, students, and parents to recognize the importance of stopping bullying in its tracks.

“Schoolyard bullies will not be tolerated,” said State Superintendent Elsie Arntzen.  “Now more than ever, it is imperative to encourage and engage in civil discourse whenever differences arise, whether in the classroom, or on the school bus, or on the playground. Today, and every day, I urge our students, teachers, and parents to interact respectfully with each other,” Arntzen added.

The 2021 Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey Report (YRBS) conducted by the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) revealed that during the past twelve months, 15.6% of students reported being bullied on school property and 16.4% reported being electronically bullied through texting, Instagram, Facebook, or other social media. The YRBS is a voluntary, self-reporting student survey that has been conducted biennially since 1991 by the OPI. Statewide, over 98% of districts participated in the 2021 survey, which was administered late last winter. The full 2021 Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey report is located at www.opi.mt.gov/yrbs.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month; National Stop Bullying Day falls on the second Wednesday in October each year. It calls on schools and organizations to bring together children, educators, and parents for the sake of preventing bullying situations. Bullying can come in many forms, and victims can feel helpless or unsure of how to stop the situation. While bystander intervention is an effective way to stop bullying in real-time, understanding how it can be prevented can be even more important.

For helpful bullying prevention resources, visit:  https://opi.mt.gov/bullyfree 

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