Today is International STAND UP to Bullying Day. This semi-annual event is observed by 25 countries across the globe — in workplaces, schools, and organizations — and to help commemorate it, we’re sharing 17+ local resources. ProTip: Wear a pink shirt today if you want to show support + take a more public stand against bullying.

According to PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and Admissionsly:

1 in 5 students report being bullied.
1 in 5 tweens (9 to 12 years old) report they have been cyber-bullied, have cyber-bullied others, or have witnessed cyber-bullying.

Did you know? School-based bullying prevention programs decrease bullying up to 25%.

It is also a common misconception that bullying only happens between kids at school. In fact, 31% of Americans report being bullied as an adult.

23.3% of employees have reported being bullied by aggressive emails
20.2% of employees report negative gossip by coworkers
17.8% of employees report being yelled at by others in the workplace

The good news? We, as a community, can work to lower these statistics.

Resources for teachers, parents, and students

NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) + Wake County Bullying Prevention (WCBP) | NCDPI implements NC’s public school laws for K–12 public schools. Through their Center for Safer Schools program, they are working to promote a safe learning environment for all students. Staff are available for training + guidance upon request. WCBP also lists steps + tips for dealing with bullying here.

NC School Counselor Association | Look for the bullying prevention tips, steps to address bullying, and other resource sheets on their website.

School Violence Prevention | If you are looking for the legal definition of school bullying in our state, check out Article 29C — which covers bullying and harassing behavior, the policy against bullying or harassing behavior + the prevention of school violence set forth. You can also find the NC anti-bullying laws and policies on the Stop Bullying website.

The Alice Aycock Poe Center for Health Education | Their programs help to make a positive impact against bullying in schools + communities.

Communities in Schools NC (CISNC) | CISNC is part of the national CIS network + works to remove barriers to success. This 23 page PDF covers evidence-based strategies, implementation plans, and lesson plans.

Hope For Teens | This organization was founded 10+ years ago and provides presentations for students, parents, school administrators, and various youth organizations as a way to educate adolescents and adults about bullying issues.

Teens United No Judgement | Virgie Townsend, a single mother of three from southeast Raleigh, is working to create an app for bullying + suicide prevention. You can follow along for updates on the local app on their Facebook page.

Peaceful Schools NC | Peaceful Schools NC works to empower NC schools to create + sustain healthy learning environments. They work with teachers, administrators, staff, students, and parents to build a climate for all students to thrive academically + socially, in school and beyond the classroom.

Youth Thrive + John Rex Endowment | Youth Thrive's vision is for all young people (ages 5–18) in Wake County to become thriving adults. The John Rex Endowment made a $1.25 million-dollar investment to establish a new collaborative that helps increase the likelihood of positive outcomes for our local youth.

The Family Resource Center South Atlantic | Teens Against Bullying is a unique program because it is teen-led. They provide assistance + resources for victims of bullying while encouraging everyone to become anti-bullying advocates.

Resources for those in the workforce

NC Office of State Human Resources | Programs are designed for State employees who experience bullying in the workplace.

Resources for BIPOC

NAMI | This organization has compiled a list of resources for people of color that includes anxiety + stress support, meditation apps, and ways to focus on healing in the face of trauma. NAMI Durham offers free support groups for minorities on Thursdays at 7 p.m. + you can also access the racial trauma tool kit here.

Resources for LGBT+ communities

LGBT Center of Raleigh | This center has so many resources for LGBTQIA+ people looking for support. They are currently closed for in person events + meetings, but you can find a calendar of virtual events here.

SafeSchoolsNC | This organization offers a multitude of resources for the LGBT+ community, as well as crossover resources for people who are also disabled or battling addiction. Find all of the local resources here.

Public Schools First NC | The group is a statewide nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on public education issues across pre-K–12. They work with members of the community across the state to advocate for a unified public education system in NC. They also have a resource page for the LGBT+, which covers multiple studies, lists statistics, and even provides ways to combat bullying across this community.

Trans in the South | This downloadable resource is available in English + in Spanish and is a comprehensive directory of 400+ Southern health service providers that has been confirmed as trans-friendly and trans-competent by the Campaign for Southern Equality team.

Resources for those with disabilities

Autism Society – NC | Children with disabilities are bullied at far greater rates than their nondisabled peers. Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have characteristics that make them especially susceptible, including age-inappropriate interests, clumsiness, or inflexibility when it comes to rules.

Did we forget any other bullying resources? Please be sure to let us know.

This article features contributions from Shari Tingle + Xenna Smith.