October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Around the world, October is dedicated to conversations, blogs, posters and all forms of social media on how to prevent, educate and heal those affected with bullying. You maybe surprised to know…it involves all of us. Here are #10things you should know about bullying to prevent it.
1. Declare a No Bully Zone
Declare bullying has no place in your life or business and create an open dialog. Discussing the topic and educating your team will not bring about the problem.
2. Know the facts about bullying.
Bullying and harassment can happen in any city to any person. Minorities, those with disabilities and people that appear to have less self-esteem are more likely to be targeted.
3. Understand the Bully/Harasser.
The person bullying another human is usually doing so because they perceive the other has something they don’t have such as appearance, financial means, material items, knowledge or another person’s attention. The bully doesn’t usually realize what they are doing and will justify it by gossiping with others and spreading rumors.
4. Make room.
When people feel there isn’t enough space, supplies or clients, it can create an environment of scarcity and make humans more likely to bully.
5. Keep it cool.
Lower the temperature. Warm climates heat up tempers.
6. Train Your Team and Clients.
This month, create conversations around the topic, hang posters in your spa and use your influence to inform others.Utilize the resources in this article to develop your anti-bully strategy.
7. Wear Orange!
October 25 is Unity Day. You can order a free poster and gain access to social media information at pacer.org/bullying.
8. Be Aware of the Risks.
Employees may call in sick and not come to work when they are bullied. According to the Huffington Post, “It is estimated that 160,000 children miss school every day because of the fear of assault or intimidation by other students.”
9. Stop It On the Spot.
Abusive behavior (both physical and verbal) in the workplace is an occupational hazard that comes with serious risks to the employee’s emotional well-being and can be a legal threat to your business.
10. Prevent Cyber Bullying.
The Pew Research Center reported that 73% of adult internet users have seen someone be harassed in someway online and 40% have personally experienced it. Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation has an online #HackHarassment pledge; commit to creating a safer space on the internet.
Now more then ever, we must create a positive and safe space for everyone. I can’t think of a better industry then ours to take on this challenge.