Ask Mr. Pedometer and Friends…about Bullying
Q: Mr. Pedometer, I have a young neighbor who has confided in me about her discomfort at the bullying she sees happening at her school. What kind of advice should I offer her?
A: October is National Bullying Prevention Month 
here in the USA. This week I saw a banner over Main Street indicating that our local schools are joining in the national effort to stop bullying among students. Perhaps we adults could learn from their suggestions as well. These are ideas from STOMP Out Bullying.org:
“Every October, schools and organizations across the country join STOMP Out Bullying™ in observing National Bullying Prevention Month. The goal: encourage schools, communities and organizations to work together to stop bullying and cyberbullying and put an end to hatred and racism by increasing awareness of the prevalence and impact of all forms of bullying on all children of all ages.
Here is what they suggest individual students can do this month (and forever):
Learn How to Deal with Bullies
First of all, you need to know that you are not alone and the bullying isn’t your fault. If you or someone you know is being bullied, ask an adult for help. Stomp Out Bullying.org will help you learn how to deal with a bully and how to protect yourself and others. Learn how to take the power away from the bully by not reacting to comments and walking away. Read more on how to empower yourself and stop the bullying.
Make friends with someone you don’t know at school
“If you’ve ever been isolated from others at school or you were new at school and it took time to make friends, you know what it feels like to be left out. Or even if you were never isolated, imagine how it would feel.
“Make friends with someone at school who you don’t know. You probably wish someone had done that for you.
“Be a leader. Take action and don’t let anyone at school be in isolation.”
STAND UP for Others
“When you see someone being bullied, be brave and STAND UP for them. Bullies have been known to back off when others stand up for victims.
If you don’t feel safe, get the help of an adult immediately . Be part of the solution — not the problem!
“It’s a time to see everyone’s differences and celebrate their similarities: Whether students are LGBT, African American, Asian, Muslim, AAPI, of Tribal descent or disabled …make friends.”
Perhaps your young neighbor can take comfort in the fact that others of all ages are aware of the bullying problem and taking steps to help correct it.
As adults, we also can take responsibility for inclusion. (For example, all are welcome to join us as we “Walk ‘n’ Talk” together each weekend.)
EAT RIGHT, MOVE MORE, AND STAY WELL