According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bullying is a frequent discipline problem, with nearly 14% of public schools reporting that bullying occurs daily or at least once a week.

To bring awareness and offer steps to prevention, Kate Bond Middle School held a Bullying Prevention Workshop on Thursday, October 24, at the school.

This workshop was designed for parents, aiming to enhance the understanding of bullying prevention through open communication, parental support, awareness and recognizing the signs of bullying and proactive measures. 

Reports of bullying are highest in middle schools (28%), followed by high schools (16%), combined schools (12%), and primary schools (9%).

The CDC defines bullying 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. According to the CDC, bullying includes cyberbullying, and does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.

Guest speakers at Kate Bond included Kimberly Milam, Kate Bond Middle Behavioral Specialist; Tevaris Douglas, club director at Sycamore View Boys and Girls Club; and Dion Paul, youth pastor, and Sam Kapets, NextGen pastor, both from City Church.

Every act of kindness makes a difference. Together, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) can create a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

If you have a story about a MSCS student, teacher, or school to highlight, please email us at [email protected]. Include the school name, story details, and an SCSK12.ORG email for follow-up.