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Bullying

Thirteen plain-language graphics from Bullying Prevention Month — what bullying is, how to spot it, and how families can help.

These images were shared during National Bullying Prevention Month in October 2026. They explain what bullying is, the forms it takes online and off, the warning signs to watch for, and how families can help children stand up for each other. They were initially published on our Facebook page.

Blue flyer with yellow-green lettering. A sad cartoon boy in a green shirt hugs his knees - image text next to image

What is Bullying?

When someone hurts, teases, or scares another person on purpose, that’s bullying. Here is a simple way to help kids remember what to do: Speak up, Take a stand, Offer kindness, and Protect others.

What is bullying?
Bullying: Bullying is when someone hurts, teases, or scares another person on purpose.
Effects: Kids that are bullied experience stress, depression, fear, and low self-esteem.
Cause: Jealousy, insecurity, problems, or wanting to feel powerful.
What we can do: Speak up, report bullying, support victims, promote kindness and respect.
S – Speak up when you see someone getting hurt.
T – Take a stand for what is right.
O – Offer kindness instead of judgement.
P – Protect others and help end bullying.

Idaho Parents Unlimited
208-342-5884
parents@ipulidaho.org
ipulidaho.org

Lime-green flyer with blue lettering. A red ketchup bottle with a white speech bubble - image text next to image

Labels Are for Food

Labels belong on ketchup bottles, not on kids. Talk with your child about how name-calling hurts, and how they can stand up for others.

labels are for food
not people
Bullying will ‘ketchup’ to you!

ipulidaho.org
208-342-5884
parents@ipulidaho.org

Lime-green and blue checkered flyer. Cartoon children teasing, pushing, whispering and looking sadly at a phone - image text next to image

Types of Bullying

Bullying isn’t only hitting or pushing — it can be words, being left out, or hurtful messages online. Knowing the types helps you spot it and talk with your child about it.

Types of bullying
Verbal bullying: Teasing, taunting, name calling, threatening, or intimidating.
Physical bullying: Hitting, punching, pushing, tripping, kicking, slapping, or destroying someone’s possessions.
Social bullying: Spreading rumors, telling others not to be friends with someone, or embarrassing someone in public.
Cyber bullying: Posting or sending hurtful messages, posts, images, or videos.

ipulidaho.org
208-342-5884
parents@ipulidaho.org

Blue-to-green flyer with white boxes outlined in blue, holding pink, green, blue and orange percentages - image text next to image

Cyberbullying Facts

Cyberbullying is more common than many parents realize — more than half of U.S. teens say they have experienced it. Here are a few numbers worth knowing, so you can talk with your child about it.

Cyberbullying facts

  • 58% of U.S. teenagers have experienced cyberbullying at some point in their lives, according to recent data.
  • 32% of teens report being called offensive names online.
  • 17% of teens have received unrequested explicit images.
  • 22% of teens say people spread untrue rumors about them online.

ipulidaho.org
208-342-5884
parents@ipulidaho.org

Blue-to-green flyer ringed with orange clothing: socks, a blanket, a scrunchie, a cap, a sweater, sunglasses and pants - image text next to image

Unity Day Is October 21 — Wear Orange

Don’t forget to wear something orange on Unity Day, Wednesday, October 21, 2026, to show that kindness, acceptance and inclusion matter.

Don’t forget
Wear something orange on Unity Day October 21, 2026!

ipulidaho.org
208-342-5884
parents@ipulidaho.org

Lime-green flyer. Two hands with different skin tones hold each other, both wearing friendship bracelets, under a red heart - image text next to image

Be A Buddy, Not A Bully

A little kindness goes a long way. Help your child be the friend who reaches out, includes others and stands up when someone is being picked on.

Be a buddy, not a bully.

ipulidaho.org
208-342-5884
parents@ipulidaho.org

Blue-to-green flyer with an orange title, a white panel with scalloped orange edges, and a crowd of cheering cartoon people - image text next to image

Take the Pledge Against Bullying

Bullying stops when people stand up together. Take the pledge with your family: speak up, reach out and be a friend.

Take the pledge against bullying
I will:
Speak up with kindness
Reach out with acceptance
Be a friend through inclusion

ipulidaho.org
208-342-5884
parents@ipulidaho.org

Blue-to-green flyer with a myth and fact table. A cartoon youth makes a face at a person on a computer screen - image text next to image

Cyberbullying Myth vs Fact

Cyberbullying isn’t harmless, and kids don’t have to face it alone. Here are four common myths about cyberbullying and the facts behind them.

Click with kindness.
Myth vs fact
Myth: Cyberbullying is harmless.
Fact: It can cause severe emotional, psychological, and physical distress to victims.
Myth: Only strangers bully online.
Fact: It frequently comes from people the victim knows in real life.
Myth: Victims usually show emotional signs of abuse early.
Fact: Often there are no obvious signs of abuse until the bullying problem becomes overwhelming and dangerous.
Myth: Telling an adult makes it worse.
Fact: Intervention is usually necessary to stop the escalation of severe harassment.
Don’t be mean behind the screen!

ipulidaho.org
208-342-5884
parents@ipulidaho.org

Blue-to-green flyer with yellow-green boxes. A girl holds her head as pink figures rise out of a phone and taunt her - image text next to image

Cyberbullying Facts

Most kids who see cyberbullying stay quiet, and most who are targeted never tell an adult. Talking with your child about what to do can make a real difference.

Cyberbullying facts

  • Most witnesses do not intervene. 60% of young people witness online bullying happening to others, and the vast majority choose to ignore it.
  • Victims rarely tell adults. 1 in 10 teen victims will inform a parent or a trusted adult about the abuse they are facing online.
  • Girls are more likely to be bullied online (21%) than boys (12%).
  • Physical appearance is the most common reason people report being cyberbullied.

ipulidaho.org
208-342-5884
parents@ipulidaho.org

Orange graphic with a photo of five IPUL staff in orange shirts and sweaters, on and around an office couch - image text next to image

We Wore Orange for Unity Day!

HAPPY UNITY DAY!
On October 21st, we wore orange to show that we stand together against bullying!

Be a Buddy, not a Bully

At Idaho Parents Unlimited (IPUL), we believe every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and accepted for who they are. Unity Day is a reminder that each of us has a role to play in creating kinder, more inclusive communities where all children can thrive.

  • Check out the resources we’ve been sharing throughout the month for tips and tricks on how to talk with your kids about bullying, recognize the signs, and create an anti-bullying plan together.
  • Take the IPUL Kindness Pledge or choose your favorite anti-bullying pledge to show your commitment to kindness, inclusion, and standing up for others.

We wear orange for Unity Day
Oct 21
Be a buddy, not a bully.

White flyer with a blue border, round purple and teal icons for each warning sign, and three yellow-green labels - image text next to image

Warning Signs for Bullying

Would you know if your child was being bullied online, or bullying someone else? Here are six warning signs to watch for, and what to do next.

Warning signs a child is being cyberbullied or is cyberbullying others

Many of the warning signs that cyberbullying is occurring happen around a child’s use of their device. Some of the warning signs that a child may be involved in cyberbullying are:

  • Noticeable increases or decreases in device use, including texting.
  • A child exhibits emotional responses (laughter, anger, upset) to what is happening on their device.
  • A child hides their screen or device when others are near, and avoids discussion about what they are doing on their device.
  • Social media accounts are shut down or new ones appear.
  • A child starts to avoid social situations, even those that were enjoyed in the past.
  • A child becomes withdrawn or depressed, or loses interest in people and activities.

See it. Say it. Stop it.

Learn more and find support at ipulidaho.org

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988.

Blue-to-green flyer with white boxes, icons of digital devices, a phone with chat bubbles and a figure curled up in distress - image text next to image

Cyberbullying Facts

Bullying doesn’t stop at the school door — it can follow kids onto phones, games and social media. Here’s what cyberbullying looks like, so you can spot it and talk with your child about it.

Cyberbullying facts
Cyberbullying takes place over digital devices like:

  • Cell phones
  • Computers
  • Tablets

Cyberbullying can occur through:

  • Texts
  • Online gaming
  • Social media

Cyberbullying includes:

  • Sending, posting or sharing negative, harmful or false content about someone else.

Cyberbullying can lead to:

  • Humiliation
  • Embarrassment
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Substance use
  • Thoughts of suicide

If you or your child is in crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

ipulidaho.org
208-342-5884
parents@ipulidaho.org

Lime-green flyer with a blue-frosted donut covered in pink, yellow and orange sprinkles - image text next to image

Donut Bully

As we wrap up the month of October and our bullying awareness campaign, we want to remind you that every kid has their own sprinkles — the things that make them who they are. Talk with your child about celebrating differences and being kind to everyone.

Donut bully.
Our sprinkles make us special.

ipulidaho.org
208-342-5884
parents@ipulidaho.org

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