National Bullying Prevention Month – Oct. 1, 2026

National Bullying Prevention Month
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National Bullying Prevention Month dedicates every October to fostering safer environments for children and young adults. Join the movement to raise awareness, educate communities, and empower individuals to stand against all forms of bullying.

Want to sponsor National Bullying Prevention Month? Learn how

Expected National Bullying Prevention Month Deals

Throughout National Bullying Prevention Month, the focus shifts from commercial sales to impactful fundraising and awareness campaigns. Organizations like PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and STOMP Out Bullying partner with corporations for donation drives, online pledges, and educational resource distribution. Brands such as Target and Kohl’s often support anti-bullying initiatives through product sales where a portion of proceeds benefits relevant charities. Look for mental health apps like Calm or Headspace to offer special resources or discounts to support emotional well-being. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns and partnership details as October approaches.

Platform Guide for National Bullying Prevention Month

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BullyingPreventionMonth. Share educational resources, personal stories of resilience, and tips for fostering kindness in your community.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #BullyingPreventionMonth. Participate in live discussions, share statistics, and amplify messages from anti-bullying organizations to spread awareness rapidly.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BullyingPreventionMonth. Create visually engaging posts with positive affirmations, infographics on prevention, and calls to action for supporting victims.

Social Media Tips for National Bullying Prevention Month

Individuals

Wear purple on Unity Day (the third Wednesday of October) to show solidarity. Speak up if you witness bullying and offer support to those affected, fostering a culture of empathy.

Creators

Produce short-form videos or blog posts that debunk myths about bullying, share personal experiences of overcoming adversity, or highlight effective prevention strategies for different age groups.

Brands

Launch a month-long campaign promoting kindness and inclusion, perhaps with a donation match to an anti-bullying charity. Develop content that educates about cyberbullying and online safety.

Organizations & Brands for National Bullying Prevention Month

  1. PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center

    Founded in 2006, PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center is a leading organization dedicated to preventing bullying. They provide resources for students, parents, educators, and the community to address bullying effectively.

  2. STOMP Out Bullying

    STOMP Out Bullying is the leading national anti-bullying and cyberbullying organization for kids and teens. They work to reduce and prevent bullying, cyberbullying, and other forms of digital abuse.

  3. Born This Way Foundation

    Co-founded by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta, this foundation supports the wellness of young people and works with partners to build a kinder and braver world. They often focus on mental health and anti-bullying.

  4. Cartoon Network

    Through its 'Stop Bullying: Speak Up' campaign, Cartoon Network has been a prominent media partner in raising awareness among children and families. They create engaging content to educate and empower young viewers.

  5. Target

    A major American retailer, Target frequently partners with charitable organizations, including those focused on children's well-being and education. They often feature in-store and online campaigns supporting various causes.

  6. Committee for Children

    This global nonprofit develops social-emotional learning (SEL) programs that help children thrive. Their programs, including Second Step, are widely used in schools to teach empathy, problem-solving, and bullying prevention.

  7. The Trevor Project

    The world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people. They frequently address bullying and harassment, which disproportionately affect LGBTQ youth, through advocacy and support services.

National Bullying Prevention Month Hero

Paula Goldberg

Paula Goldberg is the co-founder and Executive Director of PACER Center, a national parent center working with families of children with disabilities. Under her leadership, PACER launched the National Bullying Prevention Center in 2006, creating a dedicated initiative to address bullying through education and advocacy. Her work has been instrumental in developing resources and fostering a national conversation around bullying prevention.

National Bullying Prevention Month timeline

2019
A.I. vs. cyberbullying

A language researcher in Belgium used A.I. (artificial intelligence) to block words and phrases associated with bullying on social media site AskFM.

​2006
National Bullying Prevention Month founded​

The PACER Center, which works on behalf of children, youth, and young adults with disabilities, started National Bullying Prevention Month.

​1993
Definitive study

Psychologist Dan Olweus' landmark book "Bullying at School" identified characteristics of both bullies and victims.

1980s
Adult bullying

​Swedish psychologist Heinz Leymann defined and analyzed the acts that make up workplace bullying.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Bullying Prevention Month

Local businesses can honor National Bullying Prevention Month by sponsoring school programs or community events focused on kindness and inclusion. Retailers might offer a ‘kindness discount’ for customers who pledge to stand up against bullying, while restaurants could host ‘unity dinners’ to foster dialogue. Agencies can create pro-bono awareness campaigns for local anti-bullying organizations, amplifying their message and reaching a broader audience within the community.

National Bullying Prevention Month FAQs

When is National Bullying Prevention Month?

National Bullying Prevention Month runs throughout October 2026, dedicating the entire month to raising awareness and promoting solutions to bullying. It’s a time for communities to unite against harassment.

How many students are affected by bullying in the U.S.?

According to recent federal surveys, approximately 20 percent of U.S. high school students reported being bullied on school property within the past year. This figure underscores the pervasive nature of the issue.

What are the different types of bullying?

Bullying manifests in several forms, including verbal (teasing, name-calling), social (spreading rumors, exclusion), physical (hitting, pushing), and cyberbullying (online harassment). Each type causes significant harm.

What is the significance of the color purple for bullying prevention?

The color purple is widely recognized as a symbol of support for bullying prevention, especially during Unity Day, observed in October. It represents solidarity, acceptance, and the commitment to stand against bullying.

How to Observe National Bullying Prevention Month

  1. Students: Practice empathy

    Reach out to new classmates this month — especially those who appear to be struggling. Report bullying when you see it and don't let others suffer in silence.

  2. Teachers: Reward students who show respect

    Positive reinforcement works. Students who demonstrate thoughtfulness and respect for classmates, adults, and the school itself deserve your accolades.

  3. Administrators: Plan bullying prevention programs

    Make sure parents, teachers, and students understand the problem and know how to confront it.

5 Must-Read YA Novels About Bullying

  1. “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher (2011)

    A high school girl leaves behind a series of cassette tapes after taking her own life. Those tapes lead classmate Clay Jensen on a chilling journey as he reconstructs her pain.

  2. “This is Where It Ends” by Marieke Nijkamp (2019)

    Bullied teen Tyler Browne conjures up an unspeakable plan to exact revenge on those who have wronged him. Note: This book contains scenes of violence.

  3. “A Piece of Heaven” by Angel Lawson (2018)

    ​An anti-bullying theme runs through this novel about 18-year-old Heaven, who’s dealing with anxiety and shame. The book touches on bullying in all forms.

  4. “Moxie” by Jennifer Mathieu (2017)

    Viv rebels against the power imbalance at her Texas high school — especially the football players who are allowed to sleep through class and bully other students in front of teachers.

  5. “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton (1967)

    The classic. Hinton began writing this book when she was just 15. The novel focuses on two rival gangs; one, working-class, the other, upper-class. It’s a powerful story of a boy (Ponyboy Curtis) who finds himself on the outskirts of society.

Why National Bullying Prevention Month is Important

  1. Students feel safer

    That means parents worry less and teachers can focus on their work. Everyone wins when bullying stops.

  2. A sense of teamwork

    Students. Parents. Teachers. School administrators. We're all in this together. Remember, one school principal can't stop this problem alone.

  3. Back-to-school has a whole new meaning

    October brings fresh connections and new friendships, while setting the tone for the rest of the school year. Let's try to confront bullying as early as possible.

National Bullying Prevention Month dates

Year Date Day
2026 October 1 Thursday
2027 October 1 Friday
2028 October 1 Sunday
2029 October 1 Monday
2030 October 1 Tuesday