BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – October marks National Bullying Prevention Month, dedicated to raising awareness and educating communities on ways to prevent bullying. Parents Lead, a North Dakota program overseen by Health and Human Services (HHS), is highlighting resources to help parents, caregivers, and professionals recognize and address bullying effectively.

Parents Lead provides tools and strategies aimed at fostering positive conversations about bullying, equipping children to advocate for themselves and others. “By promoting kindness and inclusion, parents can help their children prevent bullying behaviors and build communities where bullying simply doesn’t belong,” a media release states from Sara Kapp, administrator of Parents Lead.

The program encourages parents to play a proactive role in preventing bullying and supporting children who may be affected by it. Open communication is key, with suggestions for parents to discuss what bullying is, emphasize kindness, and teach the importance of standing up for others. Recognizing warning signs is also crucial, such as behavioral changes, social withdrawal, or school performance issues.

Parents Lead also advises parents to engage children in positive activities to build confidence, teach assertive responses to bullying, and provide guidance on online safety to combat cyberbullying. By modeling kindness and empathy, parents can foster respectful behavior and create a safe, inclusive environment at home.

The program offers a variety of free resources on its website, parentslead.org. Families can access conversation starters about bullying, signs that may indicate a child is experiencing bullying, tips for managing cyberbullying, and guidance for professionals working with children and families on recognizing and addressing bullying.

Parents Lead is committed to empowering parents and caregivers with the tools they need to foster healthy development and prevent bullying across North Dakota communities.