Bullying Awareness Week began with Canadian father and educator, Bill Belsey. In response to a 1999 school shooting in Taber, Alberta, Bill created www.bullying.org, to provide educational programs and resources to individuals, families, schools and other organizations to help people deal effectively and positively with the act of bullying and its long-lasting negative consequences.

Research has shown us that approximately 15% of any given population in a school or workplace is directly involved with bullying – leaving 85% as potential bystanders or silent majority. This year’s theme is Stand Up! (to bullying), and is an opportunity for communities around the country to get involved and not wait for someone else to do something, rather work together to prevent bullying in our communities through education and awareness.

Bullying Awareness Week is a joint declaration of Bullying.org and Family Channel, a national children, youth and family television network. For more information and for a calendar of events, please visit: http://www.bullyingawarenessweek.org/