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Portsmouth school board declares October 2025 National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month
Summary
The Portsmouth School Board unanimously approved a resolution recognizing October 2025 as National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month and encouraged discussion of prevention strategies across the division. The resolution cites estimates that more than 20% of U.S. youth are involved in bullying annually.
The Portsmouth School Board unanimously adopted a resolution on Sept. 25 recognizing October 2025 as National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month.
Dr. White, presenting the resolution, said the board adopted the observance because bullying remains “an increasing significant challenge in the United States and in Virginia,” and noted research indicating “over 20 percent of youth in [the] United States are estimated to be involved in bullying each year either as a bully or a victim.” The resolution lists risks associated with bullying, including depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties and lower academic achievement, and calls for schools and families to discuss prevention throughout October.
Vice Chair Atkinson moved the measure and the board approved it by roll call. The resolution also directs the division to encourage classroom and school-based discussion of bullying prevention during October.
The board cited existing Portsmouth Public Schools anti-bullying policy as the backbone for district efforts; the resolution does not change policy or create enforceable new procedures but is intended as an awareness and education initiative. The board did not vote on new funding or programmatic mandates during the meeting.
The next formal step is administrative implementation of awareness activities in classrooms and school communications during October 2025.
