October is National Bullying Prevention Month.
Bullying, harassment or intimidation is unwanted, intentional repeated behavior by one or more individuals made with the intent to harm, intimidate or humiliate a person or group. There is no place for bullying in our schools. Behavior that creates a hostile school environment, disrupts learning and school activities, or negatively interferes with a student’s academic, psychological, social or physical well-being will not be tolerated.
Every student deserves to feel safe, respected and included.
Recently at Wheaton High School, Board of Education members and Wheaton senior Luam Kiflom were presented with a proclamation from Governor Wes Moore’s office recognizing October as National Bullying Prevention Month in Maryland.
Kiflom, who has been working to cultivate a more caring community at Wheaton, delivered a heartfelt speech reminding students and staff to spread kindness and stand up for those who may be experiencing bullying publicly or privately.
“Every time you include someone just sitting alone in the cafeteria, speak up when something isn’t right, or simply say something kind to someone having a hard day, you’re making the school a better place,” she said.
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Every report of a student being harmed deserves to be taken seriously. But facts, definitions and context matter, too.
Bullying is a term that is often used broadly in everyday conversation, but according to Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) policy, it has a specific definition. MSDE also reports incidents per 1,000 students. Using the most recent data available (2024-2025), MCPS has reported 6.4 incidents per 1,000 students, down from 8.7 incidents the previous year (a decline of about 26 percent). Consider that MCPS is much larger and its number of incidents per 1,000 is considerably lower than many of its neighboring school districts: Prince George’s, 6.8; Anne Arundel, 14.2 Howard, 20.7 and Frederick, 22.5.
Of course, this does not diminish what any individual student or family experiences. Even one student being harmed is one too many. Every student deserves to feel safe, respected and included.
How can you help?
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Talk with your children about bullying. Help them understand why it is harmful, why it is never OK, and why it is important to speak up when they see it happening.
If you believe your child is being bullied or you see bullying happening, please complete and submit the Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form. Reporting helps the district address concerns so that we can help students.
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Bullying, Harassment or Intimidation Prevention webpage
Read the original article at mcps
