Letter to the Editor: Respect and resilience key in bullying issue

Dear Editor,

In response to the NBHH Providers letter, we want to affirm that bullying is an issue in every community. It can occur in classrooms, hallways, online, walking home, the park and in other areas. While schools work hard to address it, it’s important to remember that not every act of unkindness is bullying. Sometimes it’s a single rude or mean comment. These behaviors still hurt and, if ignored, can escalate into bullying.  

As adults, we must model kindness and respect, beginning at home. Parents play a vital role by talking openly with children about how meanness and bullying feel, why they must not be ignored and how to respond in healthy ways.   

In 2023, the CDC reported that 77% of high school students use social media multiple times a day, and frequent use is linked to higher risks of bullying, sadness and suicidal thoughts. Locally, 2022 Big Horn County data show that 7% of high schoolers and 8% of middle schoolers reported attempting suicide in the past year, with many more considering it. These are not distant numbers; they are our neighbors, our children, our families. Parents can help protect their children by monitoring social media use, setting limits, talking regularly about online experiences and staying alert to signs of depression or thoughts of self-harm so they can seek help early. With early support, open conversations and access to resources, these risks can be reduced.

That’s why prevention alone is not enough; we must also raise resilient children. Resilience is not about “toughening up,” but about teaching our children confidence, coping skills and healthy ways to handle challenges. Resilient youth learn that, while they cannot control others’ actions, they can control their own responses. They know when to seek help, how to recover from setbacks and how to stand up for themselves and others. By helping youth develop these skills, we prepare children to navigate a world that isn’t always kind, helping them thrive despite challenges and setbacks.

Families, schools and communities can nurture resilience by modeling problem-solving, encouraging healthy friendships, teaching stress-management and reminding children that mistakes and setbacks do not define them. If you are concerned about your child at school, reaching out to your child’s school can be an important first step in getting support. Together, we can build a culture of respect and resilience, one that protects mental health and creates a kinder, stronger and safer community.

Respectfully,

District No. 2 Administrators