Every student deserves a safe, welcoming learning environment. But in our current climate, many young people are scared, anxious and feeling threatened. Hate speech and images have been directed toward students in schools and online. Multiple incidents of a hostile, hateful nature have been taking place in schools and communities, such as fake deportation notices being handed out and swastikas drawn in bathrooms.

In October, National Bullying Prevention Month, take the opportunity to learn how to identify bullying, intervene effectively and advocate for bullied students. NEA has a toolkit at tinyurl.com/NEAbully. Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center (pacer.org/bullying) offers anti-bullying curricula for all grade levels. And Stop Bullying (stopbullying.gov) can guide students in standing up for themselves safely.