October is bullying awareness and prevention month. Wikipedia defines bullying as “the use of force or coercion to abuse or intimidate others. It can include verbal harassment or threat, physical assault and may be directed repeatedly toward particular victims, perhaps on the grounds of race, religion, gender, sexuality, or ability.”

Have you ever laughed at something someone said about someone else just to “go along”? Have you ever gasped at something you heard someone say to another person in public or online? Have you ever felt ridiculed by others due to your appearance, abilities or beliefs?

Chances are that most of us have been affected by bullying at one time or another. Bullies intimidate others. A bully becomes powerful when others choose to passively observe or ignore disrespectful behavior.

Prevention starts with each individual.

“Others don’t care what you know, until they know that you care” — Stan Davis.

So, what can we do? Ask questions, listen and gather the facts. Demonstrate self-respect, respect for others and their feelings, beliefs and abilities. Express feelings in a respectful manner. Be aware of body language and what it is saying to others. Behave the way you wish to see others behave.

Kim Desso, Lewiston, Prevention education and services manager,

Advocates for Children