October is National Bullying Prevention Month

October is Bullying Prevention Month. However, it is also important to remember that reducing bullying and improving school climate for all schools and all students is a full-year effort.

In 2024, 47% of Virginia’s high school students reported bullying as a problem in their schools; in 2025, 56.7% of middle school students reported this, while only 22.8% of instructional staff and 19% of other school staff reported bullying as an issue (2025 Virginia School Survey of School Climate and Working Conditions). The difference in the perceptions of bullying shows there is still a lot of work to do to prevent bullying in Virginia’s schools.

"Bullying" means any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and the victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. "Bullying" includes cyberbullying but does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict. (Code of Virginia

§ 22.1-276.01)

This year, the General Assembly passed SB 908 to amend Virginia Code § 22.1-279.6. This change requires school boards to include bullying prevention policies in their codes of conduct that “provide protections designed to ensure that any student who is a victim of or a witness to an instance of cyberbullying is not deterred from reporting or seeking support for such instance of cyberbullying by fears of retaliation, social alienation or rejection, or other negative treatment; and include a list of support services and resources available through each public school to any student who is a victim of cyberbullying relating to reporting and seeking support after experiencing an instance of cyberbullying, including mental health support services, and any information necessary to access any such support services and resources.”

Young people who experience bullying are more likely to feel lonely, want to avoid school, and have symptoms of depression, which can contribute to suicide risk. Those who bully others or witness bullying can also experience adverse mental health effects. Helping to create a positive and supportive school climate where all students are accepted is vital to ensuring that all students can learn and grow. Any school’s bullying prevention plan should ensure that staff know how to identify bullying and respond effectively.

 Bullying Prevention Resources:

·      VDOE Bullying Prevention

·      Stopbullying.gov

·      National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

·      Common Missteps in Bullying Prevention

·      Flyer for Parents (US Department of Health and Human Services)

·      Flyer for School Personnel (US Department of Health and Human Services)

·      Videos to Promote Bullying Prevention (Stopbullying.gov)

For more information or staff bullying prevention and intervention training, please contact Betsy Bell, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs Coordinator, at betsy.bell@dcjs.virginia.gov.

Hallway Highlight: Officer Delano Johnson

Officer Delano Johnson from the Norfolk Police Department is entering his final year as a School Resource Officer after a decade of dedicated service to Norfolk students.

A Norfolk native and former student at Norview High School, Officer Johnson returned to his alma mater as an SRO, where he worked closely with staff and students to improve safety and build trust. For his leadership, he was awarded an appreciation letter after helping reduce the school’s crime rate by nearly half. He also partnered with the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office to connect students with the Straight Talk program, an initiative designed to show young people the real-world consequences of their actions and choices.

At Maury High School, Officer Johnson continued his mission through the T.R.U.E. Y.O.U.T.H. program, teaching students résumé writing, financial literacy, and job readiness. He also dedicated summers to the Police Athletic League Summer Camp (PALS), mentoring Norfolk’s youngest residents through team-building, life skills, and youth development activities.

Over the years, countless students have described him as a mentor, role model, and advocate. Many still return to share how his influence changed their lives.

As he concludes his SRO journey, Officer Johnson leaves behind a legacy of service, safety, and mentorship that will continue to impact Norfolk’s youth for years to come.