October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and with that comes the opportunity to spread awareness of the prevalence of bullying and of changes that should be implemented to reduce it in our schools, workplaces and community. 

Statistics show that one out of every five students reports being bullied, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics in 2016. Of those students who are bullied, one-third said they had been bullied at least once or twice a month during the school year. The types of bullying they experienced included being made fun of, being the subject of rumors, being called names, insulted, pushed, shoved, tripped, spit on or excluded from activities on purpose.

Both male and female students were affected.

Thirty-four percent of the bullying took place in the classroom, while 42% of it was in the hallway or stairwell at school.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, students who experience bullying have an increased risk for sleep difficulties, anxiety and depression and can experience negative effects on relationships, self-esteem and physical health.

Bullying in the workplace can have similar effects and will look somewhat similar.

It can include everything from making offensive comments, intimidation, insulting actions and undermining or humiliating others repeatedly.

Whether it happens at school or at work, bullying is a deliberate action.

If you know someone who is being bullied — no matter what their age — make sure to have them talk to a trusted adult about it. That person can offer advice and help you report the behavior to the proper leadership at the organization, whether it be at a workplace or a school.

Bullying should not be accepted at any level, and when reported, leaders of these organizations need to take these actions seriously.

Above all, treat others with kindness.

Children pay attention to how their parents and the other adults in their lives treat others and will often model the same behavior.