MISSION, TEXAS (October 11, 2024) – October brings many exciting events for students—football season, homecoming celebrations, and fall festivities—but it is also a critical time to raise awareness about an important issue: bullying.
In recognition of National Stop Bullying Day on October 9, Mission CISD is expanding its efforts to cover the entire week to strengthen its impact on students and the community.
"October 9 is National Stop Bullying Day," said Jesse Treviño, Director of Guidance and Counseling at Mission CISD. "We’ve extended the recognition to an entire week to truly make an impact and ensure every student understands the importance of standing up against bullying."
Recent statistics underscore the significance of this initiative. According to StopBullying.gov, 19% of high school students in grades 9-12 report being bullied on school property in the last year, making bullying prevention efforts in schools vital.
Education as a Cornerstone of Prevention
Treviño emphasizes that education plays a pivotal role in bullying prevention, helping students understand not only what bullying is, but how to prevent it and intervene safely.
"Our district provides students with lessons focused on defining bullying, teaching empathy, conflict resolution, and promoting positive behavior," Treviño said. "We integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) into the curriculum, focusing on respect, kindness, and real-life scenarios that empower students to stand up against bullying. We also encourage them to report incidents whenever they see them."
Bullying Prevention Week Initiatives
To highlight this effort, Mission CISD has organized themed dress-up days for Bullying Prevention Week, giving students a fun yet meaningful way to participate.
"Every day, we have a different theme, such as wearing superhero shirts to remind students to be ‘super’ respectful toward others," Treviño said. "These dress-up days are a fun way to show unity and raise awareness, but the real difference lies in how students act and treat each other throughout the year."
Support Systems for Students
Mission CISD offers various resources for students. Support is available through school counselors and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), along with peer support groups designed to help students navigate difficult situations.
"We have made it easy for students to reach out for help—whether directly to a counselor or through a trusted teacher," Treviño said. "The emotional and mental well-being of our students is our top priority, and we have multiple ways to provide support."
Empowering Students to Help Their Peers
Treviño also highlights the importance of students supporting one another when bullying occurs.
"Students can make a huge difference by offering friendship and kindness to their peers. They can also use our district’s anonymous reporting system, 'Stay Alert,' which allows them to report bullying safely without putting themselves in harm’s way. This ensures trusted adults can intervene and take the necessary steps to address the situation."
Guidance for Parents
While Bully Prevention Week shines a spotlight on the issue, Treviño encourages parents to have ongoing conversations with their children about bullying.
"Parents should approach the topic calmly and openly to understand the situation from their child’s perspective," Treviño said. "Regular communication between the school and parents is key to resolving these issues and fostering a positive environment."
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