Don't Be A Victim.                                              

         Don't Be A Bully.              

         Don't Be A Bystander.

        

Did you know that nearly 30 percent of our children are involved in bullying, either as victims or perpetrators—or both? A nationwide epidemic, bullying hits close to home for Frederick County kids. In Frederick County Public Schools, 223 bullying incidents were reported during the 2009-10 school year. In response to this reported increase in incidents,

United Way of Frederick County has partnered with the Mental Health Association of Frederick County, Heartly House, Frederick County Public Schools and CALM Mediation to combat bullying in Frederick.  
  

The collaboration formed out of our mutual concern about the toll bullying takes on young lives and, therefore, our whole community.  More critically, bullying is so often linked to youth suicide; we believe that up to half of youth suicides can be linked to bullying, and bullying almost always results in long-term emotional distress. 

 

The group is taking a three-pronged approach to address this issue:
      Education: We have developed a packet of materials which can be found online here or a paper copy can be obtained by calling 2-1-1. Packets are also available in all Frederick County Public School counseling offices. The packet includes statistics about bullying, tips for kids on how to respond to and report bullying; help for parents and educators in talking to children about bullying, and resources for additional information.
       Resources: Anyone can call 2-1-1 to find resources related to bullying, including school and community educational presentations. The packet includes a list of web sites and organization contacts as well. 
   Support: The bullied, bullies, parents and educators can call 2-1-1 any time day or night to talk about their concerns and how to deal with them.The Mental Health Association also is in the process of developing an online chat tool aimed specifically at young people who have been bullied, are perpetrators, or both. 

Funding for the Stop Bullying Packet was generously provided by My Bank! First United Bank & Trust and United Way of Frederick County.

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