Category Archives: Violence Prevention

Standing Up Against Bullying Starts With Awareness

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Did you know that nearly one in five students experiences bullying each year? Bullying can take many forms—verbal, physical, social, or online—and its impact goes far beyond hurt feelings. Victims may struggle with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, and in severe cases, it can affect academic performance and emotional health. Recognizing the signs early—such as sudden withdrawal, changes in mood, or reluctance to go to school—is the first step in helping those affected. Awareness is the foundation for change.

When we notice someone being bullied, our response matters. Encouraging victims to speak up, seek help from trusted adults, and connect with school counselors or support lines can make a big difference. Even small acts of kindness—listening without judgment, offering to walk with someone between classes, or including them in group activities—can remind victims that they’re not alone. Building a network of empathy and support empowers students to stand stronger together.

Preventing bullying starts with creating environments where respect and compassion thrive. Schools and communities can foster inclusion by promoting kindness campaigns, encouraging bystander intervention, and setting clear anti-bullying policies. Teaching empathy, celebrating diversity, and practicing open communication can help transform school culture into one of safety and acceptance. Together, we can make every classroom and hallway a place where all students feel seen, valued, and protected.

Jarrelle ( 杰遨 – Jieao ) Barton

Creating a Culture of Kindness in Schools

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Violence among students is a serious issue that affects not only the individuals directly involved but the entire school community. Acts of bullying, fighting, or intimidation create an environment of fear that hinders learning and personal growth. Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported when they walk into a classroom, and stopping violence starts with recognizing the problem and committing to change.

One of the most effective ways to reduce violence in schools is by building awareness and providing strong support systems. This includes teaching students about conflict resolution, empathy, and emotional regulation at an early age. Schools can also encourage open communication where students feel comfortable reporting problems without fear of retaliation. In addition, involving parents, teachers, and counselors ensures that students at risk of engaging in violence are identified early and given the help they need.

Stopping violence is not just about responding to incidents—it’s about creating a culture where respect and kindness are the norm. When schools actively promote inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and provide safe spaces for students to express themselves, they reduce the likelihood of conflict turning into violence. By working together—students, educators, families, and communities—we can replace fear with trust, build stronger relationships, and make schools places where learning and growth thrive free from violence.

Jarrelle (杰遨) Barton

Friendship Over Fear: Building Kindness and Ending Bullying in Our Schools

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Friendship is one of the most important foundations of a positive school environment. When students feel connected to their peers, they are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. A good friend can make school feel safer, more welcoming, and more enjoyable, creating a sense of belonging that every student deserves.

On the other hand, bullying damages that sense of belonging and can leave lasting emotional scars. Being excluded, teased, or targeted can make students feel isolated and fearful, which impacts not only their confidence but also their ability to learn. Bullying undermines the very spirit of community that schools work so hard to build, replacing trust and safety with fear and division.

That’s why it is so important to encourage kindness, empathy, and inclusion in every classroom. By promoting friendships and teaching students to stand up for one another, schools can create spaces where everyone feels valued and respected. Each act of friendship—no matter how small—has the power to change someone’s day, and together, students can create a culture that says no to bullying and yes to kindness.

Inspiring Words for Students

  • Show kindness every day, because even small acts can make a big difference.
  • Treat everyone with respect, no matter how different they are from you.
  • Include others so no one feels left out or alone.
  • Practice empathy by trying to understand how others feel.
  • Be courageous and stand up for yourself and for others.
  • Support your friends and classmates when they need help.
  • Remember that everyone deserves to belong and feel safe at school.
  • Work together in unity to build a school community that cares.
  • Celebrate friendship—it makes school brighter for everyone.

Friendship has the power to transform schools into safe, supportive, and joyful places for everyone. When students choose kindness over cruelty and inclusion over exclusion, they help create a community where no one feels alone. Bullying may cause harm, but strong friendships can heal, uplift, and inspire. Together, students can build a culture of respect and unity—one where every voice matters, and every person belongs.

If you are in need of crisis support contact the text line by texting MN to 741741

Jarrelle ( 杰遨 ）Barton

Standing Together: Addressing Bullying Among AAPI Youth in Schools

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Bullying remains a harsh reality for many students in today’s classrooms, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth often face unique challenges. From being mocked for their language or cultural food to enduring harmful stereotypes and racial slurs, AAPI students are frequently targeted in ways that leave lasting psychological scars. According to national data, nearly 1 in 4 AAPI youth report being bullied in school, often experiencing exclusion, verbal harassment, and even physical intimidation—yet many incidents go unreported due to stigma or fear of retaliation.

Educators and caregivers play a crucial role in creating safer, more inclusive environments for AAPI students. Teachers can incorporate culturally responsive teaching, challenge stereotypes when they arise, and intervene early when they witness bias-based bullying. Parents can create open lines of communication, regularly check in about school experiences, and work with schools to advocate for stronger anti-bullying policies. Peers, too, have immense power—being an ally means standing up, speaking out, and showing empathy when someone is targeted or left out.

Everyone has a part to play in fostering a school culture of belonging and respect. When students feel safe and seen, they thrive. And when communities rally together to dismantle racism and bullying, we build stronger, more compassionate schools for all.

Key Facts:

  • 23% of AAPI youth report being bullied in U.S. schools.
  • Many AAPI students face bullying tied to race, language, and cultural identity.
  • Only a small percentage of incidents are reported or addressed effectively.
  • Bystander intervention by peers significantly reduces bullying incidents.
  • Cultural stigma and pressure to “stay silent” often prevent AAPI students from seeking help.


Creating lasting change starts with listening, learning, and standing up for one another. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or friend, your support can be the difference between isolation and empowerment. Let’s commit to building schools where every AAPI student feels valued, safe, and respected.

Read more at:https://www.cdc.gov/youth-violence/about/about-bullying.html

Risk and Protective Factors

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Preventing youth violence begins with understanding that no single cause leads a young person to commit or experience violence. Instead, it’s a mix of individual, relationship, community, and societal influences. Risk factors—such as exposure to violence at home, poor academic performance, or associating with delinquent peers—can increase the chances of violent behavior. On the other hand, protective factors—like strong family connections, high academic achievement, or community involvement—can reduce those risks. Identifying and addressing these layers can empower parents, educators, and community leaders to intervene early and build supportive environments for youth. By increasing what protects and reducing what harms, we create safer, healthier communities for everyone.

Key Facts

  • Youth violence is shaped by a combination of factors, not a single cause.
  • Risk factors include poor behavioral control, substance use, and exposure to family or community violence.
  • Protective factors include strong family bonds, high academic achievement, and supportive school environments.
  • Prevention efforts must address multiple layers: individual, relationship, community, and societal.

Preventing youth violence isn’t just about stopping harm—it’s about building hope. Every effort we make to strengthen protective factors and reduce risks helps shape a generation of safer, more connected, and empowered young people. Together, we can move forward.

Reference:https://www.cdc.gov/youth-violence/risk-factors/index.html

About Youth Violence

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Youth violence doesn’t just cause immediate harm—it can have lasting consequences on a young person’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Exposure to violence during adolescence can disrupt healthy development, impair decision-making, and create challenges with learning. It can also lead to difficulty forming positive connections with peers and trusted adults, as well as make it harder to manage stress and emotions over time.

The health and social effects of youth violence are deeply concerning, especially because they are not evenly distributed across all communities. Communities of color, particularly Black or African American youth, are disproportionately affected. Youth violence is linked to a range of negative outcomes including mental health struggles, substance use, obesity, risky sexual behaviors, depression, academic failure, and even suicide. It also increases the risk of future violence—both as a victim and perpetrator. On a broader level, violence strains community systems by raising healthcare costs, reducing property values, impacting school attendance, and limiting access to support services.

Every day, thousands of young people are affected by youth violence across the United States. This crisis touches every type of community—urban, suburban, rural, and tribal. The impact is widespread, both in human suffering and economic cost. Below are some key facts and highlights based on U.S. data:

Key Facts & Highlights:

  • Youth violence is common
    • Homicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for youth ages 10–24.
    • It is the leading cause of death for non-Hispanic Black or African American youth.
    • Over 800 youth are treated in emergency departments each day for assault-related injuries.
  • Some youth are more at risk
    • Sexual minority teens experience more types of violence than their heterosexual peers.
    • Black or African American youth are at higher risk for severe violence, including homicides, aggravated assaults, and fights causing injuries.
  • Youth violence is costly
    • In 2020, youth homicides and assault-related injuries cost an estimated $122 billion.
    • These costs include medical care, lost productivity, and reduced quality of life—not including criminal justice expenses.
  • Impact of COVID-19
    • The economic burden of youth violence increased by 17% from 2019 to 2020.
    • 2019: $105 billion → 2020: $122 billion

Prevention is not only possible—it’s essential. Protecting youth means addressing both the individual and societal factors that increase or decrease the risk of violence. Long-standing systemic inequities, like concentrated poverty, residential segregation, and racism, must be addressed to create safer, healthier environments for all youth. Effective prevention strategies consider the full context in which young people grow up, especially for those from racial and ethnic minority communities. Tackling the root causes of violence is key to breaking cycles of harm and supporting young people in becoming healthy, thriving adults.

Reference:https://www.cdc.gov/youth-violence/about/index.html