End Bullying Through the Bullying Bites Campaign This October Together

Stand Against Bullying This October: Join the Bullying Bites Campaign

This October, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is partnering with Stand for the Silent to launch the Bullying Bites campaign. This initiative encourages individuals to take a stand against bullying, emphasizing the importance of fostering a safe and supportive environment for all, especially in schools. As we mark both National Bullying Prevention Month and National Orthodontic Health Month, it’s a call to action for everyone to come together to combat this pervasive issue.

One in five students aged 12 to 18 are victims of bullying in the United States, with approximately 160,000 children missing school daily due to fear of being bullied or attacked. The impact of bullying is significant, affecting the mental and emotional well-being of our youth. Orthodontists play a unique role in addressing this issue since they engage with school-aged children frequently during visits. By reinforcing messages of kindness and inclusion, orthodontists can make a tangible difference in the lives of their young patients.

Dr. Steven Siegel, president of the AAO, highlights the organization's commitment to combating bullying. "Because the work of orthodontists ties us closely with children and families, AAO is able to raise awareness about bullying among those who are most impacted – children and their families," he said. The organization encourages its members, staff, and the community to wear orange on Unity Day—October 22—as a visible sign of solidarity against bullying.

In addition to individual actions, the AAO is also making efforts at a community level by illuminating over a dozen notable landmarks across the United States and Canada in orange, including The Parthenon in Nashville and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. This display aims to draw attention to the bullying epidemic and reminds us all of the need for collective action.

Kirk Smalley, president and co-founder of Stand for the Silent, expressed enthusiasm in continuing the partnership with AAO. "The work these amazing orthodontists do to help spread our message is critical in helping to end the bullying epidemic. It is vital to reach people where we can and raise awareness about the devastating effects of bullying."

As part of the campaign, AAO members can access pledge cards and other materials to challenge orthodontic patients and staff to collectively commit to taking a stand against bullying. Furthermore, individuals who wish to support anti-bullying initiatives can consider contributing to the Gifted Smiles program, which provides essential orthodontic treatments to underserved children or backing Stand for the Silent's educational initiatives in schools.

For those interested in participating in the Bullying Bites campaign or seeking more information, AAO invites everyone to visit their official website, AAOInfo.org. Let’s work together to create a future in which every child feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Conclusion

The Bullying Bites campaign is more than just an initiative; it is a movement aimed at reshaping our communities by promoting kindness and understanding. The call to wear orange is a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect children from bullying, an issue that can have crippling consequences. Together, we can make a difference—not just in October, but every day.