#United States #Various #Ada #UNITY DAY #Bullying Bites

Landmarks Illuminated in Orange for Unity Day

This October, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and Stand for the Silent are lighting major landmarks across the United States and Canada in orange to raise awareness for National Bullying Prevention Month. The annual Bullying Bites campaign aims to combat bullying and youth suicide, encouraging communities to unite in support of children facing bullying.

A Month of Awareness

October is not just recognized for the fall leaves and Halloween; it's also the month dedicated to raising awareness about bullying. The AAO and Stand for the Silent have partnered once again for their impactful Bullying Bites campaign. By illuminating prominent landmarks in orange, these organizations are sending a powerful message: no child should have to navigate the challenges of bullying alone.

Unity Day, scheduled for October 21, serves as the centerpiece of this campaign. Landmarks including the Eiffel Tower replica in Paris, Tennessee and the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia will join the movement in promoting messages of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Each landmark lit up in orange will symbolize the collective effort to promote a safer environment for all students.

Celebrating Unity Day

Unity Day is an event that encourages individuals across the nation to wear and share orange as a visual demonstration of solidarity against bullying. This unity fosters a sense of protective community around children who may be facing bullying, instilling in them that they are not alone. The National Center for Education Statistics has highlighted that one in five students between the ages of 12 and 18 have reported being bullied, underscoring the urgent need for such initiatives.

Orthodontists, who regularly engage with children during their visits, are in a unique position to advocate for kindness and inclusion. Dr. Michael Durbin, President of the AAO, emphasizes, “Orthodontists have the opportunity to build ongoing relationships with young patients and their families. We can leverage these connections to reinforce essential messages of support and safety.”

The Campaign’s Impact

The array of landmarks participating in this campaign serves not only as a reminder of the collective responsibility towards bullying prevention but also as an avenue to highlight the ongoing issues children face. With nearly half of the students reporting they fear repeated bullying, this campaign aims to invoke action through partnerships and community involvement.

Landmarks participating include:

• - Big Dam Bridge – Little Rock, Arkansas
• - Canada Place Sails – Vancouver, British Columbia
• - Union Plaza Building – Little Rock, Arkansas
• - New York State Capitol – Albany, New York

Each of these sites will glow orange on October 21, echoing the sentiments of acceptance and support for children affected by bullying.

Joining the Efforts

Individuals and organizations alike are encouraged to participate in the Bullying Bites campaign. As part of the initiative, pledge cards and other campaign materials will be available in orthodontic offices and online, giving families a chance to join the fight against bullying.

The AAO has also partnered with businesses like Kind Lips, which donates a portion of its proceeds to anti-bullying organizations. Through these collective efforts, the AAO and Stand for the Silent hope to amplify their reach and ensure every child feels safe, accepted, and supported.

For more information on how to contribute to the Bullying Bites campaign or to find local events, individuals can visit AAOInfo.org.

About the Organizations

The AAO, founded in 1900, is the world's oldest and largest dental specialty organization, representing over 19,000 orthodontists in the U.S. and Canada. Its dedication to ethical practice in orthodontics focuses on enhancing oral health, safety, and public awareness.

Stand for the Silent was established in honor of Ty Field-Smalley, a child who tragically succumbed to bullying. This nonprofit continues to advocate against bullying and suicide, striving to empower students and communities through education and support. Together, these organizations are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people suffering from the consequences of bullying.