Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and accepted – at home, in school, and in their community. Yet for too many young people, bullying remains a painful reality that can leave lasting emotional scars. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, which reminds us that creating safe spaces for children requires all of us – families, educators, and communities – to stand together in kindness and respect.
At Saint Francis Ministries, we see every day how trauma, including bullying, can affect a child’s sense of self-worth and security. Our programs – from foster care and adoption to behavioral health and family support – are built around the belief that healing happens through relationships grounded in compassion and trust.
Our therapists and case workers help children process experiences of rejection, fear, and isolation, empowering them to rebuild confidence and form healthy connections. Through evidence-based models like Family Centered Treatment® and Seeking Safety®, Saint Francis works with children and families to strengthen communication, emotional resilience, and problem-solving skills. For youth in our residential programs or Independent Living services, we provide guidance to navigate adulthood and develop self-advocacy.
Preventing bullying begins with teaching empathy and modeling respect – values that align with the Saint Francis mission to bring healing and hope to children and families. Yet, the protection of children is a responsibility we all share. As a community, we need to teach our children that bullying is unacceptable, and as adults, we must protect and advocate for those being bullied.
To learn how, together, we can stand against bullying, visit: https://www.stompoutbullying.org/world-day-bullying-prevention.
