County schools educate during anti-bullying month

October is Anti-Bullying Month, and schools have been using this time to educate their students about the effects of bullying on their peers and themselves. Bullying is defined as a person using their power, such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity, to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even involving the same people. The schools have provided students with opportunities to learn how to protect themselves and others against bullying this month, and they continue to offer resources to those who reach out.

John Wyrosdick, a 7th-grade teacher at Bonifay K-8, has been encouraging his students to think about the serious effects of bullying. He has emphasized that victims of bullying can experience various problems such as physical illness, anxiety, depression, withdrawal, low self-esteem, and other negative emotions. They have also been researching Florida state laws about bullying and how it is a crime to bully others in any capacity. “The main message in our classroom is that bullying is unacceptable behavior in every circumstance.  Standing by and being a silent witness to bullying is essentially saying that the behavior is ok, and we have to use our voice to speak up against it.” stated Wyrosdick. He has also discussed with his students the devastating consequences of bullying, including the possibility of self-harm or suicide. John intends to help his students understand the  far reaching impact they can have on others’ lives. To promote the school as a safe place, his classes have created posters and have reinforced the message by watching the movie Wonder, which illustrates the harmful effects of bullying. 

If you or a peer is experiencing bullying you can report the incident to the Washington and Holmes County School District websites under “Bullying and Harassment”.