We think you're near Los Angeles

Currently in Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles Current temperature: 61°F: Current condition: Partly Cloudy See Extended Forecast

America Inspired

Your votes decided who shared $100,000

  • Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Maryland
  • May 21, 2011
  • Add a comment

Don’t be a bully

Richard Webster's photo
Harford County Education Headlines Examiner

Again this year, Md. Governor Martin O’Malley in partnership with State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Nancy Grasmick, has declared May 23-27 Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Maryland.

During the 2008-2009 school year, the Maryland State Board of Education (MSDE) reported 1,686 incidents of bullying, representing 2 reports filed for every 1,000 children in the state. It is likely that the extent of bullying is underreported because of the need for victims or parents to take the initiative to file a report.

The most reported incidents of bullying involve middle school students between 11 and 14 years of age. While a little over half of these incidents are committed “just to be mean” or “to impress others,” 24.3 percent were motivated by actual or perceived personal characteristics, such as physical appearance, sex, race, religion, disability, national origin, or sexual orientation.

Continued dedication to bullying intervention is an essential element to Maryland’s educational mission and our state’s future. Informing children of harassment’s long term impacts and providing them the tools to take action against it is a vital responsibility of our communities and schools in our effort to prevent bullying.

Advertisement

Join Judge Katie O'Malley, the First Lady of Maryland, and State Superintendent Nancy Grasmick in putting a spotlight on this critical issue.

See Katie O’Malley’s Letter to the Schools regarding “Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Maryland” here.

Also see the Think2xTwice.org Stop Bullying video PSA included with this article. Think2xTwice’s Mission:

  • To define and promote conscience thinking.
  • To promote teens health, happiness, and best  opportunities.
  • To help eliminate impulse actions and thinking.
  • To give teens a clear understanding of the consequences of their actions.

And remember, “Don’t be a Bully”

Also see:

Most incidents of bullying involve middle school students between 11 and 14 years of age.
Most incidents of bullying involve middle school students between 11 and 14 years of age.
Photo credit: 
photobucket
In an effort to raise awareness of bullying, Think2xTwice.org has created their first of many anti-bullying public service announcements. Starring Rosario Sherman and Tre'Vonte' Smith. Directed by Traci Fant.

Video: Think2xTwice.org Stop Bullying PSA

Related topics:

Suggested by the author:

, Harford County Education Headlines Examiner

Richard Webster has been employed in Higher Education as an Instructional Designer, Facilities Coordinator and Adjunct Professor. Areas of interest include: The Learning Process, Web Design, Individualized Instruction, On-Line Education, Instructional Technology, and Public Heath and Safety."...

Don't miss...