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​National Bullying Prevention Month

Month-long awareness observance in October dedicated to preventing bullying and promoting kindness and inclusion among youth.

Thursday
1–31
October 2026
Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team
Have an update or spot an error?
YEARLY DATEAll of October
OBSERVED INUnited States
CATEGORYAwareness
ORIGIN

PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center

FOUNDING ENTITY
PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center
FIRST OBSERVED
2006
HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center launched it in 2006 as National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week to empower communities and counter the normalization of bullying. It expanded to a full month in October 2010 due to growing national participation.

PACER Official Pagevia pacerteensagainstbullying.org
INTRO

Introduction

Let's join together to make October 1 - National Bullying Prevention Month - a time for us all to stand up against bullying. Every year since 2006, this month has been dedicated to creating awareness around the impact of bullying in our society and recognizing the importance of taking action against it. Bullying is an issue that affects people from all walks of life, regardless of gender, race or age. By coming together and spreading kindness and understanding, we can help create a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

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TIMELINE

​National Bullying Prevention Month Timeline

Inception of the Holiday

PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center initiated the National Bullying Prevention Month in the United States.

First Unity Day

The tradition of Unity Day started, where people are encouraged to wear orange in solidarity against bullying.

Inclusion of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying prevention was included in the campaign to reflect the fast-growing issue of online bullying.

Expansion to Global Scale

The prevention efforts took on a more global scale, reaching out to communities worldwide where bullying is a prevalent issue.

Biggest Unity Day To Date

Millions participate in Unity Day, making it the biggest anti-bullying expression to date.

Pandemic Challenges

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to raise awareness continued virtually, showcasing resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate ​National Bullying Prevention Month

EDITOR'S PICK

Organize an anti-bullying event

Organizing an event is a great way to bring awareness to the issue of bullying. You can host a rally, put on a play, or organize a walk to spread the message of anti-bullying.

START

Start a conversation about bullying

Having conversations about bullying can help bring attention to it and let people know that it is not acceptable. Talk to friends, family, classmates, and coworkers about the effects of bullying.

REACH

Reach out to those affected by bullying

Reaching out to those who are being bullied or those who have been bullied in the past can make a huge difference in their lives. Show them that they are valued and that someone cares about them.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at an anti-bullying organization

Volunteering your time with an organization that focuses on bullying prevention can be a great way to get involved and make a difference. You can help spread awareness, educate others, and provide support.

SPREAD

Spread positive messages

Spreading positivity is one of the best ways to combat bullying. Post messages of encouragement on social media or create posters to share positive messages in your school or community.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why ​National Bullying Prevention Month is Important

It encourages people to take action

By shining a spotlight on this issue, National Bullying Prevention Month encourages everyone - parents, teachers, students, lawmakers, business owners, etc. - to take collective action against bullying. Together we can create safer and more inclusive communities where everyone feels accepted and respected regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or background.

It raises awareness

National Bullying Prevention Month is an important reminder that bullying is a real issue and should not be taken lightly. It shines a light on the issue and helps raise awareness among both children and adults. This can help open up dialogue about the importance of treating others with respect, as well as teaching kids how to recognize and respond to any kind of bullying behavior.

It gives victims a safe space

Bullying Prevention Month offers victims of bullying opportunities to speak out in a safe space without fear of judgment or retribution. It gives these individuals access to resources and support systems so they can get the help they need to become strong, resilient, and empowered future leaders.

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