In honor of National Bullying Prevention Month, Little Rock Family magazine is partnering with THV 11 throughout the month of October to spotlight the issue and help educate Arkansans about the growing problem.

Editor Heather Bennett will give tips and information twice a week all month long, educating and inspiring local parents and families to put a stop to bullying. Her first segment on the subject aired this week. We've compiled some of her tips here; you can watch the full clip on THV 11's website here.

1. What is bullying? Bullying is that brow-beating and teasing, that continuous behavior.

2. Is this an isolated incedent? You have to identify is this an isolated incident of bad behavior or is it bullying. Is your child acting ugly, or is it truly bullying? Is it repeated and calculated? Bullying is almost sinister and malicious.

3. Who is a bully? Really anyone can be a bully, and at any age. It stems from insecurity and striving for power over someone else.

4. Who is bullied? We think it's a particular person and personality type, but anybody can be bullied and anyone can bully you or your child.

5. Communicate. If you think your child is being bullied or your child is the bully, communicate with them, talk to your school counselor, your pediatrician -- anyone who can help you in this effort to identify those behaviors and help you prevent those behaviors.

 

Local Events

Families can also support National Bully Prevention Month at a special event hosted by Songbird Multimedia and Central Arkansas Library System. The Stand Up to Bullying Arts and Film Festival will take place on Sat., Oct. 25 at CALS Ron Robinson Theater. The unique festival will feature music, plays, an art show, essay contest and free film screening.

The award-winning documentary, "Bully" (PG-13), directed by Lee Hirsch, follows five kids and families over the course of a school year -- the powerful film is a glimpse into bullying at schools and offers insight as teachers, administrators and parents struggle to find answers. The film will screen at 1 p.m. The screening is free, and will include free concessions. Click here to see a preview.

At 11 a.m., kid's activities will focus on bullying through readings, plays, children's stories and other activities. Teens are invited to the 2 p.m. activities, which will include readings, music and plays about bullying. Both events are pay what you can.

For more information and to reserve tickets for the film screening, click here.